„Speaking about the Astravyets nuclear power facility, we have to admit that the Espoo commission has given a negative assessment of this project. Under the Espoo requirements, the construction of this facility cannot start. We understand perfectly well that this is Belarus' internal wish and aim to manage its energy system, but in doing so, they must strictly adhere to the Espoo requirements,“ he told LRT Radio.
Last weekend's discussion between Belarus' representatives and a group of people brought from Lithuania was an attempt to publicize the project and did not meet the requirements for such a meeting, Butkevicius said.
„I think that these discussions organized in Belarus are a campaign on the part of Belarus aimed at doing some publicizing work. But if we look at the requirements of the Espoo Convention, Belarus has to understand that they have to send an official invitation to, for example, the Environment Ministry, which coordinates such issues related to the environment impact assessment. The Belarusian side also must organize an event by asking Lithuania when they could come to Lithuania and state their position,“ he said.
