DUSHANBE, May 6, 2011, Asia-Plus — Tajik parliamentarians have considered and ratified agreements on Tajikistan’s joining two international conventions.
The Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower camber of parliament) ratified agreements on Tajikistan’s joining the UN Convention on Assistance in the Case of Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency and the UN Convention on the Prompt Notification of Nuclear Accidents at a May 6 sitting.
Adopted in 1986 following the Chernobyl nuclear plant accident, the Convention on Assistance in the Case of Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency sets out an international framework for cooperation among States Parties and with the IAEA to facilitate prompt assistance and support in the event of nuclear accidents or radiological emergencies. It requires States to notify the IAEA of their available experts, equipment, and other materials for providing assistance. In case of a request, each State Party decides whether it can render the requested assistance as well as its scope and terms. Assistance may be offered without costs taking into account inter alia the needs of developing countries and the particular needs of countries without nuclear facilities. The IAEA serves as the focal point for such cooperation by channeling information, supporting efforts, and providing its available services.
The objective of the Convention on the Prompt Notification of Nuclear Accidents (IAEA) is to provide information on nuclear accidents as soon as possible in order to minimize cross-border radiological consequences to the greatest possible extent. Each Member State signing the Convention undertakes to provide the IAEA with information on the development of any accident that might occur, the latter then immediately informing all the Member States. Each State is required to inform the IAEA of the points of contact available 24 hours a day and of the competent authorities authorized to issue notifications and verify the information provided.
