Belarus adopts nuclear energy law

25 June 2008

The House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus has passed the second reading of a bill on nuclear power. The bill covers "fundamental principles" for the introduction of nuclear power and declares that benefits to citizens and society must outweigh any negative impacts of nuclear energy. Its coverage extends from design and construction of nuclear facilities to security, safety, physical protection of facilities and regulation. It also prohibits the production of nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices. Belarus's security council confirmed in January that the country plans to build a nuclear power plant, and an international tender is expected to be launched by the end of 2008.