Sergey Kushnaryov, Executive Vice President of Nuclear Association of Russia, member of Public Chamber of Russian Federation

— Real ecologists, professionals, should welcome the construction of nuclear centers similar to the one planned in Angarsk, Irkutsk region

Sergey Kushnaryov says that the statements by some ecologists that the construction of the International Nuclear Center may have a harmful effect on the ecological situation in the region are absolutely groundless.

«I believe that ecologists should support this project rather than criticize it. As you may know, in the last three years many experienced ecologists have admitted that they were mistaken when criticizing the nuclear power sector. Today, no single nuclear facility can be built and launched without relevant ecological examination. A nuclear center is not a shed and cannot be build without expert and public consultations and a necessary legislative basis. We have a well-thought-out decision and the center will not be launched until its safety is guaranteed. This process will be closely monitored by international organizations, particularly, by IAEA experts.»

To remind, after the St. Petersburg meeting of the Eurasian Economic Community on Jan 25 2006, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia was ready to set up international centers that would provide nuclear fuel production services. In the summer the Russian Government decided to form such a center on the basis of Angarsk Electrolytic Chemical Combine. The Irkusk Government says that some $2.5bln will be invested in the project. Rosatom reports that the center will enrich uranium, which means that AECC will not change its specialization.

Kushnaryov says that Rosatom shows competent and individual approach to the problem of NPP construction. The agency has a Public Council comprising representatives of various organizations. They can express their views, present their arguments pro and contra. If something is wrong, lets discuss it in a civilized manner, why starting hysteria and scaring people, wonders Kushnaryov.

«The residents of Angarsk are interested in the project. It will give them jobs. Do you really think that they are in such a desperate state that they are ready to sacrifice the health of their children? They have been working in the sphere for many years and they do not want to lose their jobs because of somebody’s speculations. Why should people in Moscow speak about the center’s danger instead of them?» wonders Sergey Kushnaryov, Executive Vice President of the Nuclear Association of Russia, member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation