THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FACT SHEET

UKRAINE: JOINT PRINCIPLES ON NUCLEAR REACTOR SAFETY

The document signed today by the Governments of the United States and Ukraine, the "Statement of Joint Principles on Nuclear Reactor Safety," signifies an overarching commitment by the U.S. Government and Government of Ukraine to nuclear reactor safety. The Joint Principles reconfirm that the highest levels of the governments of the United States and Ukraine are strongly committed to nuclear safety and recognize the importance of a legal foundation for a strong and independent regulatory authority. They reflect that the U.S. and Ukraine (and its predecessor the Soviet Union) have been cooperating on a broad range of activities to promote civilian nuclear and radiation safety since 1988 under the Joint Coordinating Committee for Civilian Nuclear Reactor Safety, and that the U.S. and Ukraine have entered into an agreement to improve the safety of civilian nuclear power plants in Ukraine through operational safety enhancements, near-term risk reduction measures and enhancement of the Ukrainian nuclear and regulatory authority.

The Principles also express the commitment of the highest levels of the governments of the U.S. and Ukraine to continue joint efforts to improve the safety of civilian nuclear power plants, including working towards conclusion of an International Nuclear Safety Convention.

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