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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

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Removing spent nuclear fuel from Vinca priority

Belgrade/Vienna, 30 September 2008

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and Technological Development Bozidar Djelic said today in Vienna that removing spent nuclear fuel from Vinca is a priority for Serbia, and it will require funds worth $25 million.

Speaking to the press in Vienna where he is taking part in the 52nd International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, Djelic said that it is necessary to complete technical preparations by September next year, so that the spent fuel can be moved to Russia in 2010.

The Czech Republic has decided to provide Serbia with $1 million for the project, he said and added that he has sought help from Russia, and also expects support from the US and many other countries participating in the conference in Vienna so that the financial preparations could be wrapped up, since this is a major task for Serbia.

A further $25 million is needed for transportation and storage. Serbia will participate in the work and I expect that the US, Russia and other countries, as well as organisations such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, will also donate a few million dollars, said Djelic.

According to Djelic, this will resolve a problem that Serbia has faced for 24 years.

In his speech at the IAEA general conference, the Deputy Prime Minister recalled that Serbia was among the first countries that signed and ratified the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, as well as amendments to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.

He sought help from the IAEA and other international bodies in carrying out the Vinca nuclear decommissioning project, particularly the removal of spent nuclear fuel from the research reactor.

This is a sensitive, complicated and demanding task. The importance of the project was acknowledged by many international bodies, such as the IAEA itself. For Serbia this is the top priority in this area.

He stressed that the Serbian government remains committed to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Safe use of nuclear technology beneficial to mankind in accordance with global standards is one of our goals.

Serbia will fulfill its obligations ensuing from the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU which was signed in April this year, said Djelic and specified that the agreement includes obligations related to nuclear issues, particularly nuclear safety.

He called on all the countries participating in the IAEA general conference to take part in tomorrow’s donors’ conference for the Vinca decommissioning project.

Later Djelic met with IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei, and speaking to the press following the talks he said that it was agreed at the meeting that the IAEA will fully support Serbia’s efforts to remove remaining spent nuclear fuel from the country by 2010.

This means that we will get support for receiving funds worth $25 million, needed to complete the project, explained Djelic and added that ElBaradei’s support guarantees that we will succeed in this effort.

He said that Serbia has taken on the obligation to pass the law on nuclear safety in parliament as soon as possible, and to build institutions accordingly.

He said that ElBaradei, who is the most prominent personality in this field and a Nobel Award winner, will visit Belgrade in spring next year, adding that Serbia will be greatly honoured by his visit.

According to Djelic, Serbia must finalise and sign an international agreement on transportation of spent nuclear fuel from Vinca by the end of the year, which was agreed with the Russian delegation, so that by spring the financial part of the project is completed.

He said that Serbia must pass the law on nuclear safety and thus create all conditions necessary for completing the important task of removing spent nuclear fuel from Vinca by 2010.

Djelic said that it is obvious that Serbia is being taken seriously as a country and a future EU member, capable and willing to respect all international obligations.

Djelic is also due to meet with the US delegation. During his stay in Vienna, the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister will hold talks with Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization Kandeh Yumkella as well.