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Nena Issues Statement on Toxic Waste

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): March 5, 1997 - FSM Acting President Jacob Nena issued the following statement on the shipment of high level radioactive waste by the Pacific Teal, which is approaching or passing through the FSM waters.

"The FSM Government has made known its position that it firmly stands behind the position taken by the South Pacific Forum that any shipment of radioactive waste 'should be carried out in accordance with the highest international safety and security standards, in a manner which satisfactorily addressed all possible contingencies, and in full consultation with Forum countries.'"

"It is also the view of the FSM Government that the shipment carried out by the Pacific Teal is a blatant show of disregard for the long standing concern of the region over the transboundary movement of toxic and hazardous wastes and is in contravention of relevant provisions of the Waigani Convention, to which the FSM and many Forum Island Countries are a party. The FSM Government calls on the responsible parties to the shipment of high level radioactive waste to own up to retrieving the materials should accidents occur."