The Armenian nuclear power plant is rated to the highest international standards from the safety point of view, so the Azerbaijani side can not worry about this, Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Suren Papikyan told reporters on Tuesday.

According to the minister, the issues of operation of the nuclear power plant and its safety are being discussed, including with international partners, and at the moment there is no alternative energy source that could replace the nuclear power plant.

He noted that nuclear power plants today meet 40 percent of Armenia’s electricity needs, and with relevant modernization work, this figure could rise to 50 percent.

“A nuclear power plant is of strategic importance for Armenia, and our international partners should approach this issue with understanding,” he noted adding that it is planned to extend the service life until 2026, and with periodic modernization it can be extended to 2036.

The attempts of the Azerbaijani delegation to raise the issue of closing the Armenian nuclear power plant at the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly were thwarted by the efforts of the Armenian delegation.