Armenia following the nuclear deal with America

According to RCO News Agency, the “Civil Net” website, quoting a spokesperson of the US State Department, reported that the country is considering Armenia’s request to sign an agreement that will allow Washington to transfer civilian nuclear technology to Yerevan.

On August 20, an unnamed spokesperson for the US State Department told Civil Net in a written note: “The US government does not share the details of the negotiation process, but the US State Department is paying special attention and focus.” on Armenia’s request for nuclear cooperation agreement 123.

In 2022, Armenia and the United States signed an agreement on civilian nuclear cooperation.

Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act generally authorizes the conclusion of a Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation Agreement for the substantial transfer of nuclear material or equipment from the United States. In addition, such agreements, commonly referred to as “123 Agreements”, facilitate cooperation in other areas such as technical exchanges, scientific research and safeguards discussions.

According to the report of the “Armenpress” website, Armenia plans to upgrade the life cycle of the “Metsamur” nuclear power plant, which relies on the state-owned Rosatom company for fuel supply and fuel maintenance, by 2036. Then this power plant will be decommissioned and replaced.

In early August, the Security Council of Armenia announced in a statement that the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia met with a delegation from the French company Framatom, which aims to develop and produce equipment for nuclear power plants, and emphasized the importance of France’s interest in the development of the nuclear energy sector. Mentioned in Armenia.

On the other hand, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in November 2023: Armenia is faced with the task of building a new nuclear power plant unit, and Yerevan is negotiating with its partners in Russia, the United States, and South Korea to determine which proposals will be more effective.

Armenia currently has a nuclear power plant equipped with 2 power units, which is located near the city of Metsamur, 30 kilometers south of Yerevan.

In Armenia’s plan, the extension of the operational life of the only operational unit of the power plant is foreseen until 2026, as well as the gradual launch of new units.

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