On 11 March, the Algerian National People’s Assembly (Lower Chamber of Parliament) ratified the draft law on civil nuclear activities in an open session, chaired by the President of the Council, Moaaz Bouchareb. The meeting was attended by Algerian Minister of Energy Mustafa Faitoni and a number of ministers.
Faitoni said that the ratification of the draft law on nuclear activities is a “win for all”, because it strengthens and supports the role of the state in this area and is a guarantee for the protection of human health and the environment and future generations.
The draft law aims at defining the legislative and regulatory framework for activities relating to the peaceful use and production of nuclear energy, in accordance with the international treaties to which Algeria has acceded. The law also aims to establish safeguards for the protection of human health and the environment from potential hazards related to the use of radiation in accordance with the principles of radiation protection and nuclear safety and security.
The provisions of the Act also include the determination of the rules and requirements for nuclear safety and security and radiation protection, as well as the implementation of all the obligations contained in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty signed with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The new law also includes the definition of criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of national nuclear legislation as well as the transfer of the provisions of international treaties and conventions ratified by Algeria.
