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Yabloko: President's signing of the laws on the import of nuclear waste into Russia is a major error

Press realease
11.07.2001

The Yabloko Association thinks that President Putin's signing of the laws on the import of nuclear waste into Russia represents a "political mistake".

As Grigory Yavlinsky, the leader of Yabloko stated on Wednesday, July 11, 2001, this decision "damages the national interests of Russia and will have serious consequences for future generations of the citizens of our country."

"We regret that the President has taken this decision despite the position of the overwhelming majority of Russian citizens," added Grigory Yavlinsky.

According to Yavlinsky, the creation of a special commission on the import of spent nuclear fuel into Russia represents "a necessary but absolutely insufficient measure". The Yabloko leader also noted that the fact that the choice of head of this commission was Academician Zhores Alfyorov "who is an active supporter of the import of spent nuclear fuel into Russia, gives us grounds to doubt the fact that society will get objective conclusions from this commission".

Grigory Yavlinsky also stressed that Yabloko continues to insist on the prohibition of imports of nuclear waste into Russia for "unlimited storage". According to Grigory Yavlinsky, such storage will have negative consequences for Russia's security and long-term economic development prospects.

"Another point of anxiety are the broad opportunities for corruption and illegitimate use of the funds obtained from nuclear deals," noted Grigory Yavlinsky.

Yabloko calls on the President " to return once again to examining the problem of imports of nuclear waste into Russia and introduce amendments into the signed package of laws aimed at eliminating the most dangerous consequences of the adoption of these laws."

In addition, Yabloko considers it necessary to develop a mechanism of control over the funds obtained from such nuclear deals, stressed Grigory Yavlinsky.

He also noted that only in this case – if the President listens to such proposals – "can a platform for a compromise arise". "For now, we reaffirm our intention to begin the collection of signatures in favour of a referendum on imports of nuclear waste into Russia," Grigory Yavlinsky told journalists.

Grigory Yavlinsky also noted that it is planned that the referendum will be held in 49 regions of the country, and over 10 thousand people will be involved in its organisation. The leader of Yabloko also said that corresponding organisational centres are under preparation.

According to Grigory Yavlinsky, "it will not be difficult" for Yabloko to collect two million signatures to initiate the referendum, as this initiative has already received support from the Union of the Right-Wing Forces (SPS), as well as a number of public organisations.

Grigory Yavlinsky also noted here that most likely the executive authorities will "take tough measures against the referendum, and there will be serious attempts to block it." However, Yavlinsky believes that in this case both the executive authorities and the President of the country will have to "listen to the opinion of the people, who are definitely not mistaken now."

According to Yavlinsky, at least 80% of all citizens of Russia object to the implementation of the nuclear waste laws. Grigory Yavlinsky also noted that he will raise this issue on July 12, when Putin is to meet with the leaders of deputies' associations.

Based on Interfax reports.

See also:

Nuclear Waste Bill

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