Functioning of the Metsamor atomic power plant in Armenia is dangerous for the region, the director of the Institute of Radiation Problems of the Azerbaijani National Academy of Sciences, doctor of chemical sciences Adil Garibov said commenting on the accident at Japanese nuclear power plant Fukushima-1.
He said that the Metsamor atomic power plant was built on old technologies. The reactor of the station has been operated for 25 years.
"The term of operation of the reactor was completed in 2001. During former IAEA head Mohamed ElBaradei's visit to Azerbaijan in 2002, Heydar Aliyev raised this issue and said that this atomic power station must stop the work as it works using old technologies. Its term of the activity expired. It can pose a threat to the region," he said.
He said that the operation of this reactor must not be renewed for the third time. The activity of the station must be stopped.
"As an expert, I can say that it is time to stop the operation of this reactor. According to the UN relevant conventions, the use of harmful and hazardous technologies must evaluated by neighboring countries. It is necessary to sign a protocol on agreement concerning the impact of such technologies on the environment and any possible adverse effects. This work must be carried out according to the agreement, " Garibov said.
He said that referring to the articles of this Convention, the neighboring countries must jointly demand a halt to the operation of the atomic power plant.
He said that one can not believe that the technologies of the atomic power plant in Armenia are as durable and reliable as Japanese ones.
"If anything happens, we are not sure that these technologies will be as reliable as Japanese ones. A radiative cloud, that can form due to a leak in any part of the reactor, is able to reach Azerbaijan. Despite the work of only a part of this station, I think that the cessation of its activity must be on the agenda, " he said.
He said that Metsamor atomic power station poses great threat for Turkey.
He said that Armenia is building a new reactor and plans to increase its capacity up to 1,060 megawatt now.
"The tender is held for the construction of the reactor. As far as I know, Russian technologies are in the lead in the tender. If the reactor is built, it is necessary to obtain consent from the neighboring countries," he said.
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