ArmInfo reports…….

ArmInfo. Armenia has made progress in strengthening its regulatory framework in the field of nuclear and radiation safety. This is stated in the message of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following the results of the seven-day mission of the Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) team posted on the organization's website.

The follow- up mission was conducted at the request of the Government of Armenia and hosted by the Armenia Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ANRA).At the same time, according to IAEA experts, there are still problems in the republic, including the shortage of qualified and experienced staff in the regulatory body. "Armenia has made substantial progress in developing a policy and a strategy for safety," said IRRS team leader Hans Wanner, who is Director General of the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate. "However, the regulator faces a critical situation related to human resources. ANRA and its technical and support organization, the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre (NRSC), are not financially competitive compared with the industry and ANPP.  There is an urgent need to address this issue."

The team found that Armenia since 2015 has taken key steps forward by adopting a strategy for spent fuel and radioactive waste management, and by intensifying inspections related to emergency preparedness and response. Armenia is still addressing some other recommendations and suggestions from the 2015 mission, in part because the country is undertaking a comprehensive legislative review process, including on a new Atomic Law. "In light of ongoing challenges associated with the long-term operation of the Armenia Nuclear Power Plant, the findings made by the IRRS mission to improve regulatory infrastructure for safety are very timely," said Greg Rzentkowski, Director of the IAEA's Division of Nuclear Installation Safety.

It should be noted that Armenia has been a member of the IAEA since 1993. The organization exercises control over the only nuclear facility in the country. In September last year, speaking at the 62nd meeting of the General Conference of the IAEA, then Deputy Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources Garegin Baghramyan noted that Armenia attaches great importance to the development and deepening of cooperation with the Agency. Cooperation with the IAEA in the field of the peaceful use of nuclear energy is developing effectively, not only in the field of nuclear energy, but also in the field of nuclear medicine and other areas of the country's economy.