Mr Rafael Mariano Grossi, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General on Thursday, briefed the UN Security Council in New York on the situation at the Zaporizhzya nuclear power plant in Ukraine.
Our UN correspondent reports that Grossi addressed the situation at the Zaporizhzya nuclear power plant.
He assured the council of his ongoing efforts to deploy an expert mission to the site as soon as possible.
“We must be clear that any potential damage to Zaporizhzhia or any other nuclear facilities in Ukraine, or anywhere else, can lead to catastrophic consequence.
“It can lead to catastrophic consequence not only for the immediate vicinity, but for the region and beyond. This is wholly unacceptable,’’ Grossi said.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed for an end to military activities around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant in Ukraine, saying they must stop immediately.
Europe’s largest nuclear plant had been occupied by Russian forces since March, and last week, the external power supply system was damaged in an attack.
“I am calling for all military activities in the immediate vicinity of the plant to cease immediately and not to target its facilities or surroundings,” Guterres said in a statement.
The secretary-general recalled his appeal to all parties “to exercise common sense and reason” and not do anything that might endanger the plant’s physical integrity, safety or security.
“Regrettably, instead of de-escalation, over the past several days there have been reports of further deeply worrying incidents that can, if they continue, lead to disaster.
“I urge the withdrawal of any military personnel and equipment from the plant and the avoidance of any further deployment of forces or equipment to the site.
“The facility must not be used as part of any military operation. Instead, urgent agreement is needed at a technical level on a safe perimeter of demilitarisation to ensure the safety of the area,” he said.