5/5/07

Sarcophagus ERECTION

XII.) CONSTRUCTION OF SARCOPHAGUS AT CHORNOBYL NUCLEAR POWER PLANT "SHELTER" FACILITY TO START SHORTLY - NESTOR SHUFRYCH:

Ukrinform, April 24, 2007



Construction of the sarcophagus at the Chornobyl NPP "Shelter" facility, where in 1986 the world's largest man-caused catastrophe took place, will be launched in the near future, Minister of Emergencies and Affairs of Population Protection from the Consequences of Chornobyl Catastrophe Nestor Shufrych said. He, however, has refused to tell... about a precise date of the construction beginning, an UKRINFORM correspondent reported. "If I announce the date, I will be probably blamed for pressure on the Donors Assembly and persons involved in pre-contract negotiating", - he stressed.

According to Nestor Shufrych, the tender procedures are being continuing. Taking into account previous arrangements with the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, he considers these tendencies to be "very positive". "I think, I will have a chance to make a relevant statement on the sarcophagus erection's tender procedures in the near future", - the Minister stated, having stressed that in the immediate future the tender procedures will be ended and the contract will be signed. Then the building operations are going to start.