UN GA adopts resolution on Chernobyl-related cooperation

The UN General Assembly has adopted by consensus a resolution “Strengthening of international cooperation and coordination of efforts to study, mitigate and minimize the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster” at a session in New York. The resolution aims to consolidate international effort to address long-term consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear accident.  Speaking at the plenary session of the UN General Assembly, Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus Valentin Rybakov drew attention of the UN member states to Belarus’ efforts to deal with the consequences of the disaster, including efforts to improve health of people and socio-economic development of the affected regions. He expressed appreciation for the contribution of the international community, including the United Nations, to the recovery and development of the affected areas. He praised the important coordinating role of the UN Development Program. In 2014 Belarus plans to arrange a separate event to be attended by interested United Nations member states and agencies. The event will be designed to launch a specific and targeted discussion of the matter.