IAEA oversees mine-clearing ahead of power line repairs at Zaporizhzhia

VIENNA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Sunday began monitoring mine-clearing operations near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, a key step required before repairs can start on a vital external power line, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference, Grossi said the agency's team was deployed to oversee the de-mining work following a localized ceasefire brokered by the IAEA along the front line near the plant.

The ceasefire, announced on Friday, was intended to facilitate repairs to the plant's crucial power line. However, the work was delayed after Russian military personnel were reportedly injured during the initial de-mining phase.

Grossi said he and his team spent the weekend consulting with both Russia and Ukraine to ensure the ceasefire remained in place and the repair operation could proceed.

Once the mine-clearing work is completed, repairs to the power line are expected to begin in the coming days, according to the IAEA chief.

Grossi reaffirmed the agency's commitment to helping prevent a nuclear accident at the Zaporizhzhia plant amid the ongoing conflict.