The second lifting of the eastern part of the Arch with weight 3788,6 tons is started today at Chernobyl NPP "Shelter" object site. Lifting operations are performed in two stages: June 12 Arch will be lifted at the height of 12 meters and June 13 at another 21 meters after that its total height will reach of 85 meters.

The day before, on June 11, a complete inspection of steel arch constructions, operability of jacking system and geodesic surveying of arch metal constructions position and foundations was carried out.

We remind you that the first lifting of the eastern arch segment with weigh 5,300 tons at the height of 22 meters was carried out on November 24, 2012. In total for the eastern part of the Arch 3 lifting will be performed. Third lifting is planned for the end of 2013, after which the eastern segment will be shifted in the direction of the "Shelter" object, and assembly of metal constructions of the western segment of the Arch will start at the opened site.

The IAEA Expert Mission on reviewing causes, process of elimination and radiological consequences of the partial collapse of ChNPP Unit No.4 Turbine Hall roof and wall structures, which occurred on February 12, 2013, completed the work.

The experts presented their preliminary general conclusions and recommendations at the summary meeting that was held on June 7.

The experts positively evaluated actions of the Chernobyl NPP personnel both at the time of the event and during its elimination and investigation of the causes. In particular, it was noted that the ChNPP responded to the event in fast and professional manner, published information on it timely, and was fast in reporting the public on the progress of further actions. The ChNPP efforts towards managing the event consequences in such a way as to avoid delays in implementing the Shelter Implementation Plan (SIP) activities, in particular in NSC construction, were acknowledged.

The experts gave some preliminary recommendations first of all related to preventing the possibility of damages of other building structures. Also they recommended to the ChNPP to implement some organizational and technical measures on enhancing the monitoring of the building structures and improving general industrial and radiation safety.

The final official report on the IAEA Mission findings will be presented at the beginning of July and distributed among all stakeholders.

On June 5, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted Law “On ratification of the Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of Kingdom of Norway on cooperation in the field of nuclear and radiation safety and decommissioning of the Nuclear Power Plant and conversion of “Shelter” into ecologically safe system”.

In general, 296 People’s Deputies voted in favour of the appropriate draft law when the required minimal number was 226.

Adoption of the Agreement will optimize the process of Chernobyl NPP power units decommissioning in accordance with Law “On the National Programme of Chernobyl NPP decommissioning and transformation of “Shelter” into ecologically safe system”, broaden the sources of funding for the mentioned activity involving international technical assistance, enable the exchange of experience and knowledge in the field of NPP power units decommissioning.