Merci Monsieur le Président,

I thank the Director General Grossi, for the presentation and his new proposal.

Albania appreciates the professionalism, objectivity and impartiality of the IAEA and considers the role of the Agency essential for the non-proliferation regime.

We support its continued efforts to secure the protection of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.

Colleagues,

Since Russia invaded Ukraine and occupied Zaporizhzhia, we have asked some very basic, yet fundamental questions:

• under which rights and rules has Russia occupied and taken ownership of a key piece of the power generation infrastructure of another country?
• Under which logic has Russia militarized the biggest nuclear power plant in Europe?

These, like other questions related to the war of choice in Ukraine, remain unanswered to date, save the propaganda and the distorted narrative aimed for domestic use.

We know that since its occupation, the normal activity of the facility has been severely disrupted, and, in no less than seven cases, it has lost all external power for several hours, creating an extremely precarious nuclear safety and security situation for a major disaster.

Professionals have long warned that on-site diesel generators cannot cool each of the six reactors in the long term. For as long as the current situation continues, the risk of major escalation is real, a clear and present danger.

Albania strongly condemns the illegal seizure of the Ukrainian nuclear power plants by Russia and its militarization. The intentional weaponization of a Nuclear Plant is wrong and dangerous.

When you use a nuclear plant as a military garrison amidst an ongoing war, you deliberately make it a legitimate target. Russia knows it far too well.

Because, there is no other case in history when a nuclear power plant has been used as a shield to protect military troops and hardware, as Russia is doing.

This absurd and dangerous situation cries the need for urgent international regulation governing nuclear power plants in wartime, and we hope the IAEA with tackle the issue.

In the meantime, we call on Russia to implement without delay the resolutions of the IAEA Board of Governors, so that the competent Ukrainian authorities regain full control of all nuclear facilities located within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine, including the ZNPP nuclear power plant.

Ukrainian personnel operating in the plant under Russian occupation must be able to perform their important duties without restrictions, threats, or pressure and the supply network must be restored to ensure the stability of the plant’s six reactors.

Mr. President,

As stated today by DG Grossi, the general situation in the area near the ZNPP remains unpredictable and potentially dangerous, undermining the seven essential pillars of nuclear safety and security as defined by the IAEA.

It is therefore imperative to protect the plant, to prevent the risk of a serious nuclear accident, with catastrophic consequences for the population and the environment.

The proposals presented today by GD Grossi could be a good basis to ensure the protection and safety of the nuclear facilities in Ukraine and specifically of the Zaporizhia power plant. We have full confidence in the IAEA in facilitating its implementation.

But the root of the problem will remain unresolved until Russia withdraws all its troops from Ukraine’s nuclear facilities and transfers their control to the legitimate Ukrainian authorities. Only this will offer the best guarantee for the protection and safety of nuclear power plants in Ukraine.

Russia’s military has not business in Ukraine’s powerplants; Russian military have no business in Ukraine.

This is why, we reiterate our call on Russia to put an end to the war, withdraw its troops from the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine and start sincere talks for a peaceful solution.

Any initiative to reaching a just and sustainable peace must be in full respect of international law and the UN Charter and the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly.

Collogues,

We don’t need to wait and hope for the dices to roll and bring luck.

We need to ask, insist, work and expect for Russia to come to reason.

Thank you!