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Added on the 01/09/2022 20:23:14 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
UN inspectors will have access to a Russian-held nuclear power plant on the frontline of fighting in southern Ukraine on Thursday and will try to establish "a permanent presence", says Rafael Grossi, the IAEA chief. "The mission will take a few days and if we are able to have a permanent prescence, or a continued presence better said, then it is going to be prolonged," Grossi adds. SOUNDBITE
The chief of the UN's nuclear watchdog says there is no immeidate risk to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant after damage to a major dam some 150 km away in occupied Ukraine caused floods. Whilst the IAEA is aware of reports of damage at the Kakhovka dam, Director General Rafael Grossi says the watchdog's "current assessment is that there is no immediate risk to the safety of the (Zaporizhzhia) plant." SOUNDBITE
The UN's atomic agency chief Rafael Grossi warns of "increasing" military activity around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant during a rare visit to the plant currently controlled by Russian forces. Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of shelling the plant, increasing fears of a disaster. SOUNDBITE
Images of Rafael Grossi, head of the UN Atomic Agency (IAEA), arriving at the Moscow-controlled Zaporizhzhia power plant on a trip organised by the Russian army. Grossi is flanked by soldiers in combat clothing on what is his second visit to the site of Europe's largest nuclear power station, following one in September 2022. IAEA staff are also present, including three inspectors reporting to colleagues on site. IMAGES
The UN atomic watchdog's chief Rafael Grossi's convoy makes its way to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia power plant in a rare visit to Europe's largest nuclear facility, which is currently held by Moscow's forces. Grossi arrived at the plant, Ukrainian nuclear power operator Energoatom announced on social media, adding that it is "the second visit of the Head of the IAEA to the largest nuclear plant in Ukraine and Europe, since it was occupied by the Russians". IMAGES
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi says during a visit to Kyiv that it is "obvious" that the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant belongs to Ukraine. "For us it is obvious that since it is a Ukrainian facility, the ownership is Energoatom," Grossi says during a press conference, referring to the Ukrainian state nuclear agency, after Russia announced it had seized operational control of the facility. SOUNDBITE