The signing of a contract between Russia...

The ex-Soviet country, which was one of the most affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, plans to build the plant in its western Grodno region, with the first reactor expected to be put into service in 2016 and the second in 2018. The Russian nuclear equipment export monopoly, Atomstroyexport, is to implement the project.

"We are at the stage of signing an inter-governmental agreement on the construction of the nuclear power plant. There are differences only on one issue - the cost," Alexander Surikov said.

The Belarusians wanted Russia to cover the project"s risks, which Russia was not willing to do, he said, adding "if the Belarusian government takes upon itself the risks, the issue of financing and constructing the plant is settled."

Nikolai Grusha, head of the nuclear energy department at the Belarusian Energy Ministry, earlier said estimates for the construction were based on Atomstroyexport"s overseas experience, according to which the contractor

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