Zaporizhia: IAEA sees positive signs in talks with Kyiv and Moscow to establish safe zone
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in consultations with kyiv and Moscow for the establishment of a safety zone around the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhia, reported positive signals on Monday although, according to it , the situation remains “precarious”. “I have seen signs that they are interested in such a deal”said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi at a press conference on the first day of the UN Board of Governors meeting this week in Vienna.
“We are discussing the different technical characteristics”such as the perimeter of this area or the work of the two IAEA experts who remained on site, he said, before adding: “Both sides are cooperating with us and asking questions, lots of questions. » In a report published last week shortly after an on-site mission, the IAEA recommended the establishment of a site protection zone.
“Ukraine and Russia must agree on the very simple principle of not attacking or bombing the power plant (….)there must be a commitment that no military action will target the plant and its surroundings”argued Mr. Grossi, emphasizing: “I cannot enter into considerations relating to a broad process of demilitarization or troop movements, which are not part of my mandate. .
On Sunday, Ukraine announced the shutdown of the sixth and last reactor in operation at the Zaporizhia power plant. The operator Energoatom has benefited from the restoration of an emergency power line, which now provides the power needed for fuel cooling and other essential safety functions. But the situation “ remains precarious, to have you M. Grossi, “after weeks of shelling that damaged vital electrical infrastructure in the area.”
According to several diplomatic sources, the member states of the organization have planned to examine in the middle of the week a text ” calling on Russia to immediately cease all actions” against the central “so that the competent authorities”namely Kyiv, “regain full control”.