Belarus calls for OSCE solidarity in post-Chernobyl cooperation

          Belarus calls on the OSCE countries to show solidarity in addressing the Chernobyl problems, Permanent Representative of Belarus to the OSCE Valery Voronetsky said when speaking at a session of the OSCE Permanent Council to mark the 27th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident.  In his speech, Valery Voronetsky recalled the tragic consequences of the major technological catastrophe in human history and the enormous damage caused to Belarus by radioactive contamination of almost a quarter of the country. The Belarusian diplomat emphasized that the mitigation of the Chernobyl impact is a priority of the Belarusian state policy, and briefed the meeting participants on the measures the country undertakes to minimize the consequences of the catastrophe, to promote rehabilitation and sustainable development of the Chernobyl-hit regions.
      The Belarusian representative emphasized the importance of international cooperation in mitigation of Chernobyl consequences and post-Chernobyl development. Joint efforts have helped achieve a lot. Yet, there is still a lot of work ahead. In this context, Valery Voronetsky called upon the OSCE and its participating states to show solidarity in addressing these issues.