YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–The nuclear system of Armenia and Argentina has many spheres to cooperate in and first of all–that is the sphere of radiological safety.
As reported by Dan Beninson–head of the nuclear regulating authority of Argentina–it is also planned to work out joint scientific programs–exchange information–cooperate in sphere of staff and equipment licensing.
Beninson said at a meeting with journalists on Oct. 10 that the Argintine side voiced interest in re-training Armenian specialists in Argentina–as well as providing Armenia with necessary documentation.
Beninson spoke highly of Armenia’s staff potential and the degree of safety of the Armenian nuclear power plant. He particularly noted that there are two factors showing the degree of safety of nuclear power plants–that are the technical level of the staff and the order at the power plant. Both these conditions are observed at the Armenian nuclear power plant.
He also stressed the need for Armenia-Argentina cooperation in field of radiography and x-ray control. In this connection Beninson noted that Armenia’s State Nuclear Control is in charge of executing control over the safety at the Armenian nuclear power plant only–while other sources of radiation are in charge of the Healthcare Ministry and some of them are not controlled at all.
He stressed the necessity to extend and strengthen Armenia’s nuclear regulating authority–in order that it should take under control all sources of radiation–used in the industry–medicine and agriculture.
Beninson put a special stress on the need to provide the Armenian side with methodological handbooks and render assistance in preparing new documentation. According to him–Armenia is currently using obsolete safety criteria reminiscent of Soviet times.