Viktoras Pranckietis, Speaker of the Seimas, expects support from Latvia on the issue of NPP in Astravyets

Press release, 26 May 2017

On 26 May 2017, Viktoras Pranckietis, Speaker of the Seimas, and Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia, had a meeting in Burbiškis Manor, Anykščiai District, where they discussed matters pertaining to bilateral relations and strengthening of regional cooperation. While addressing the issue of nuclear safety and the nuclear power plant currently under construction in Astravyets, Belarus, the Speaker of the Seimas invited Latvia to follow Lithuania’s example of adopting relevant legislation prohibiting energy imports from unsafe nuclear power plants. The Seimas adopted such a law on 20 April 2017.

“Provisions of the law will apply to the Astravyets nuclear power plant, too. We call on Latvia to join the initiative and adopt relevant legislation. We are also asking for Latvia’s support in other matters related to the Astravyets nuclear power plant, in particular at the upcoming Meeting of the Parties to the Espoo Convention to be held in Minsk on 13–16 June 2017,” Mr Pranckietis said.

The meeting focused on regional security and greater coordination in preparing to counter potential hybrid threats and hostile propaganda.

Moreover, parliamentary Speakers discussed the importance of joint energy and transport infrastructure projects with a view to increasing competitiveness and resilience of Baltic economies. They also reflected on how to enhance cross-border cooperation and make use of infrastructure in both countries to provide medical first aid to people living in border areas.

Dalia Vencevičienė, Senior Adviser to the Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 239 6016, mob. +370 698 42 071, e-mail: [email protected]