Baltic States – CIS, Belarus, Energy, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Lithuania, Nuclear power plant

Photo: lrv.lt

"They (Norway's leaders) asked us what we are doing, what we have done and what options Lithuania has regarding electricity generated at the Astravyets nuclear power plant. They explicitly support us," he told BNS by telephone from Oslo after meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Parliamentary Speaker Olemic Thommessen earlier in the day.

Butkevicius reiterated Lithuania's position that the Astravyets must be built in compliance with the international nuclear safety and environmental standards.

"There are international institutions and international organizations that are in charge of nuclear safety and environmental protection. Every country must meet its international commitments, and people in these institutions must track, monitor, watch and seek explanation," he said.

Lithuania is the most ardent critic of the nuclear power plant, which is being built just 50 kilometers from its capital of Vilnius. Minsk rejects Lithuania's criticism, saying that it will ensure the highest safety standards at the facility.