With the construction of Belarus’s controversial Astravets nuclear power plant hurtling forward, the dissonance between Minsk and Vilnius over the project could not be greater. Lithuania — whose capital lies less than 50 kilometers from Astravets — has protested vehemently against the construction of the plant since it was announced in 2008. Along with objecting to Minsk’s decision to build the plant so close to Vilnius — which along with Astravets is in a seismic-activity zone — Lithuanian officials are concerned that Minsk has not allowed a full inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Adding to the worries in Vilnius is the secrecy of Belarusian officials when faced with 10 accidents and three deaths that occurred during the construction of the plant, which began in 2013.
Radio Free Europe spoke about the matter with Sijbren de Jong. The full article can be read here.