IAEA director seeks clarification on arrest of Zaporizhia plant director

MADRID, 2 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, has transmitted this Saturday that he is in contact with the relevant authorities "actively seeking" clarifications on the arrest of the director general of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, Ihor Murashov.

Grossi has stated that he expects a "quick and satisfactory" resolution of this matter that has a "very significant" impact on at least two of the seven essential pillars of nuclear security and protection outlined at the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, according to an official statement from the IAEA.

"The arrest of any member of the plant staff is a great source of concern in itself, also because of its psychological impact and the pressure it puts on other employees, which is detrimental to nuclear safety," he said. .

In addition, he warns that Murashov's arrest has an "immediate and serious" impact on decision-making to guarantee the safety of the plant, since he is in charge of ensuring that all procedures are followed and activating the response to any nuclear emergency.

He has also expressed hope that Murashov will return to his family "safely and quickly" and can resume his important duties at the plant.

IAEA experts present at the Zaporizhia plant have reported this Saturday of several explosions in the vicinity of the plant, like the previous ones recorded this week, believed to have been caused by landmines.

Grossi has said he is continuing his efforts to agree to implement a nuclear safety and security zone around the Zaporizhia plant as soon as possible, for which he is expected to travel to kyiv and Moscow next week.