Ashot Sarkisov, RAN counsellor (IBRAE, Institute of Safe Development of Russian Nuclear Power Industry, Russian Academy of Sciences), academician of Rosatom Social Council:

 — Development of the nuclear power industry in Armenia is vitally important

On August 20, Russia and Armenia signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the construction of nuclear power units in Armenia. The agreement was signed following the results of negotiations of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his Armenian colleague Serzh Sargasyan in Erevan.

Ashot Sarkisov, RAN counsellor (IBRAE, Institute of Safe Development of Russian Nuclear Power Industry, Russian Academy of Sciences), academician of Rosatom Social Council:

On the one hand, development of the nuclear power industry in Armenia is vitally important. On the other hand, it is an earthquake-prone territory where previously our specialists constructed the first nuclear power plant.

Everything was calculated with the account of the intensity scale which was considered in the project. The accuracy of these calculations was proved in practice: the Spitaksk earthquake did not destroy any vital assemblies of Armenian NPP; and the plant was closed according to some political considerations.

In my opinion some reinforcements related to the earthquake activity will be taken into account in order to provide a higher safety degree in case anything happens. However the NPP construction in Armenia does not constitute any danger: we may regard the fact that the world’s experience is not limited by only Armenia. Japan is also located on the territory of an increased earthquake activity and everyone is familiar with the intensity of the nuclear industry development in this country.

That is why this agreement is quite regular, logical and very profitable for both the countries, especially, if to take into consideration the geopolitical factors of this region, where Armenia remains our most trusty and permanent ally. That is why Russian financial participation in the NPP construction is not only a support for Armenian economy, but also an investment into strengthening of our positions in this region. It is a very good sign for our nuclear power industry and one more proof of its competitive ability.