“The question of critical importance is the creation of a strong regulatory body,” he said.

Kovacic was part of an IAEA mission visiting Belarus to offer recommendations for its nascent nuclear infrastructure. The mission presented its report earlier this week.

Agency Deputy Director Alexander Bychkov said the IAEA also recommends an improved legal framework covering the handling of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.

A contract between Russia and Belarus for the construction of a Belarusian nuclear power plant was signed in July.

Under this contract, the first plant is to be built by 2018, and the second by 2020. Moscow is prepared to lend $10 billion over 25 years for construction.