Source: AUN News
The meeting was sought by Russia, whose soldiers have occupied Zaporizhzhia since March or shortly after the war began, while Ukrainian personnel continues to carry out on-site operations.
Threat of suicide
Ms. DiCarlo expressed the UN’s continued grave concern about the problematic situation, remembering the Secretary-calls General’s for common sense, reason, and restraint, as well as dialogue.
“At this time, it is critical that we get the parties’ expressed commitment to halt any military activities surrounding the plant and ensure its continuing safe and secure operations.” “Any potential damage to Zaporizhzhia is suicidal,” she remarked, paraphrasing the Secretary-General.
The United Nations has once again urged the parties to provide the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with timely, secure, and unrestricted access to the nuclear plant.
IAEA mission preparations
Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, repeated his plea on Tuesday for a mission to carry out critical safety, security, and protection activities at the site.
Ms. DiCarlo indicated that preparations are underway, and the agency is in active dialogue with all parties to dispatch the mission as soon as feasible.
“We appreciate Ukraine’s and Russia’s recent remarks expressing support for the IAEA’s goal of sending a mission to the plant, which would be the IAEA’s first to that site since the beginning of the war,” she said.
The UN has also determined that Ukraine has the logistical and security capabilities to support any IAEA mission from Kyiv, assuming Ukraine and Russia agree.
“We must be clear that any potential damage to the plant, or any other nuclear facilities in Ukraine, leading to a potential nuclear event would have catastrophic effects, not just for the immediate vicinity, but for the region and beyond,” Ms. DiCarlo warned.
“Similarly, any damage that causes the plant to be disconnected from the Ukrainian electricity grid would have disastrous humanitarian consequences, especially as winter approaches.” The electricity generated at the Zaporizhzhia plant belongs to Ukraine, as the Secretary-General has said.”
Analysis by: Advocacy Unified Network
