LITHUANIA TO STAGE REFERENDUM OVER EXTENDING IGNALINA’S LIFE
August 1st, 2008
BY KEITH NUTHALL
LITHUANIA is to stage a non-binding referendum on keeping its Ignalina nuclear power plant open until 2012, well beyond the 2009 closure date agreed to secure the country's European Union (EU) membership. Lithuanian MPs voted to hold the vote in the same day as parliamentary elections - due on October 12. Opponents of closure want Ignalina to operate until alternative power sources comes on line - probably in 2012. They fear power prices could quadruple if the nuclear plant closes next year.
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LITHUANIA is to stage a non-binding referendum on keeping its Ignalina nuclear power plant open until 2012, well beyond the 2009 closure date agreed to secure the country's European Union (EU) membership. Lithuanian MPs voted to hold the vote in the same day as parliamentary elections - due on October 12. Opponents of closure want Ignalina to operate until alternative power sources comes on line - probably in 2012. They fear power prices could quadruple if the nuclear plant closes next year.
ENDS
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