Union State MPs to discuss priorities of policy response to Chernobyl accident

MOZYR, 7 June (BelTA) – The Union State MPs will discuss the major objectives of joint efforts to mitigate the consequences of the Chernobyl accident. These objectives will be later formalized by a new Union State program, BelTA learnt from Alexander Popkov, Chairman of the Commission for Ecology, Nature Management and Mitigation of Accident Consequences of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State. He took part in a session of the permanent seminar of the Parliamentary Assembly to discuss sustainable development of the areas affected by the Chernobyl accident.

According to him, reports made by Belarusian and Russian scientists helped the MPs to better understand the current situation in the affected areas. “This pertains to radiation issues, challenges and achievements in restoring and promoting the socio-economic potential of this territory and the results of joint policy response of the three countries,” he said.

After the major provisions of the program are approved at a session of the commission, the document is to be forwarded to higher-level agencies. “We expect the new Union State program on Chernobyl to be adopted this year. The program is estimated at RUB1.4 billion. This will be another step to resolve common problems of the two countries,” Alexander Popkov said.