Disposal of three tons of radioactive waste in autumn - agreement on relocation of consumed nuclear fuel from Vinča to Russia

The Minister of Science and Technology Development, Božidar Đelić, and the CEO of Russian Atomic Energy State Corporation (ROSATOM), Sergej Kirijenko, signed the Agreement yesterday (June 10, 2009), in the Government of Serbia, on cooperation in export of radioactive nuclear fuel from the reactor in Vinča to Russian Federation.

Đelić pointed out that, thanks to that agreement, "Serbia will be permanently removed from the list of countries that represent potential targets of nuclear terrorism", which is, according to his words, extremely important for the country and its future integrations. Packing of about 3,000 kg of radioactive waste in transportation containers and their export to Russia are expected in autumn.

- The next step is forming of public company "Serbian Nuclear Facilities", which will be in charge of relocation of that fuel, nuclear decommision of the reactor in Vinča and safe management of nuclear facilities in Serbia - Đelić pointed out.

He added that that agreement represented the final phase of the project that lasted for several years and whose total value was 54m USD.