On December 5, Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, participated in the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Security at the Headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. High-ranking delegations representing the IAEA’s 140 countries attending the Conference.

Minister Nalbandian delivered remarks at that high-level meeting, in which he particularly noted:

“Armenia strongly supports the essential role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the global nuclear security architecture and its leading role in facilitating and coordinating nuclear security activities among Member States, as well as international organizations and initiatives.

Armenia attaches great importance to reinforcing nuclear security both at national and international levels through the ratification and implementation of international legal instruments as well as the establishment of robust national legislation. It is noteworthy that in 2015 we have adopted Amendments to the Government decrees on approval of the licensing procedure for import and export of radioactive materials, on the rules of physical protection for radioactive materials and on the concept of physical protection and security of Armenian Nuclear Power Plant and nuclear materials. These measures are aimed at complementing the implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its Amendment.

Armenia fully implements its international obligations under the UN Security Council Resolution 1540. The National Action Plan of Armenia for 2015-2020 outlines series of concrete steps ranging from reviewing already implemented national measures to the coordination of ongoing and anticipated activities.

We are also active in counter-proliferation initiatives such as Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and Proliferation Security Initiative. The Government of Armenia is continuously working with its international partners at bilateral and multilateral levels to further enhance its national capabilities in countering nuclear smuggling.

Armenia closely cooperates on a regular basis with the IAEA and other relevant International organizations and partner countries on all issues related to the nuclear energy. The Armenian nuclear power plant has always registered excellent record of safety. The Armenian Government’s decision on extension of the life cycle of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant was taken after thorough consultations with the IAEA and our international partners with a strong emphasis on ensuring its safety and security. In particular, numerous IAEA on-site inspections and assessment missions have reaffirmed Armenia's commitment in implementing its international obligations and the highest level of openness and transparency. Non-compliance or deviation from the requirements of international treaties has not been recorded.

Against this background it is regrettable that some Member States, namely Azerbaijan and Turkey in a sheer disrespect to IAEA - its findings, records and analysis have been trying to exploit international fora for their own narrow political and propaganda purposes in order to spread groundless charges against Armenia. These fabricated and recycled accusations have nothing to do with the reality.

As a strong supporter of the non-proliferation policies, Armenia reiterates its full compliance with the nonproliferation treaty and other relevant treaties, as well as IAEA safeguards agreements and additional protocol.

In conclusion, I would like once again to reiterate Armenia’s strong commitment to the collective efforts aimed at strengthening the nuclear security architecture.”

The Final Declaration was adopted on the result of the International Conference, in which the participating countries of the Conference reiterated their commitment to the enhancement of nuclear security, nuclear nonproliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.