MINSK, 15 March (BelTA) – The Belarusian and Lithuanian delegations are expected to meet in Geneva, Switzerland during the session of the Espoo Convention Implementation Committee. Belarus considers the meeting as an opportunity for laying down the foundation for a consequent constructive dialogue, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry.
By directly sharing opinions between professionals about matters concerning the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, the sides will surely make a contribution to building greater trust between Minsk and Vilnius, which are not only geographical neighbors, but also political, trade, and economic partners, BelTA has been told.
The source noted that the Belarusian side had repeatedly stated its readiness for a dialogue and had initiated direct contacts with Lithuania on matters concerning the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. “Unfortunately, our proposals have fallen on deaf ears in Vilnius up till now,” admitted the source.
The 35th session of the Implementation Committee of the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Convention) will take place in Geneva, Switzerland on 15-17 March. Delegations of Belarus and Lithuania will take part in the event on the first day of the session upon the invitation of the Implementation Committee. The Belarusian delegation will be led by First Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Minister Iya Malkina. The delegation also includes Belarusian Deputy Energy Minister Mikhail Mikhadyuk.
Together with the delegations the Committee will discuss the steps Belarus and Lithuania have taken to fulfill recommendations of the 27th session of the Committee and the 6th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Convention with regard to the Belarusian nuclear power plant construction project.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Convention) expects the signatories to notify and consult each other about all the major projects that can have a considerable negative transboundary impact on the environment. Belarus signed the Convention on 8 February 2006.
BelTA reported earlier that in June 2011 Lithuania contacted the Espoo Convention Implementation Committee complaining about Belarus' failure to observe the Convention while planning the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. After looking into the matter the Committee and later on the Meeting of the Parties to the Convention gave recommendations both to Belarus and Lithuania on ways to ensure the fulfillment of the Convention with regard to the Belarusian nuclear power plant project. The recommendations also encouraged the two countries to work together.
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