THE 68TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY STARTED IN VIENNA

The 68th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is being held in Vienna, Austria, from 16 to 20 September 2024. A delegation from the Kyrgyz Republic headed by First Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations Azamat Mambetov is taking part in it.

On September 17, at the Plenary Session of the IAEA General Conference, the First Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic made a report on ensuring environmental safety in the Kyrgyz Republic and in the countries of Central Asia.

In his speech, Azamat Mambetov emphasized the importance of the radiation safety issue in Central Asia and called for intensifying international efforts to reclaim uranium tailings in the region. He noted the relevance of the adoption of the resolution “The Role of the International Community in Preventing the Radiation Threat in Central Asia” at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, which contributed to the creation of the Environmental Remediation Account for Central Asia and the development of the Strategic Master Plan for the Reclamation of Uranium Sites in Central Asia, which is a roadmap for the restoration of territories in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

As achievements, Azamat Mambetov mentioned the successful completion of the reclamation of two sites in Min-Kush and Shekaftar, which made it possible to create safe conditions for the residence and social rehabilitation of more than 80 thousand residents, as well as the implementation of measures to reclaim the Mailuu-Suu site, the implementation of the Interstate Target Program "Reclamation of the Territories of States Affected by Uranium Mining Production", within the framework of which 5 sites were reclaimed.

The First Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic expressed gratitude to all countries and international organizations that made significant contributions within the framework of the Environmental Rehabilitation Account for Central Asia and the Interstate Target Program.

During his speech, he called on the international community and donor countries to actively support the Environmental Remediation Account for Central Asia, noting that an additional 40 million euros are needed to fully implement the Strategic Master Plan.

In conclusion, Azamat Mambetov emphasized that donor support is of great importance for ensuring comprehensive restoration and sustainable environmental conditions in Central Asia.

The delegation of the Kyrgyz Republic is taking part in the IAEA General Conference with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

PRESS CENTER OF THE MINISTRY OF EMERCOM OF THE KR