Statement by Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S. (05/06/01)

CHORNOBYL: THE FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY

Statement by Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S.

The text below, was released on April 25 by the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States.

On April 26 Ukraine marks the 15th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, commemorating what is arguably the worst ecological and technological catastrophe in the history of mankind.

The Ukrainian nation continues to pay a dear price for the accident that is today measured in not only lives lost and the health of its people, but in terms of the huge material and financial resources lost. In Ukraine alone more than 3.5 million people have been affected by that catastrophe, while over 160,000 people have been resettled from the disaster-stricken area and almost 10 percent of the nation's territory has been contaminated by radioactive fallout.

Honoring its international obligations, the Ukrainian government shut down the Chornobyl nuclear power station on December 15, 2000, thus erasing the danger of future accidents at the plant. Yet, the shutdown of the power station has not resolved the problems of the past. Ukraine will continue to suffer from the effect of the 1986 Chornobyl accident for generations to come.

The global effects of the Chornobyl disaster reminds us that its legacy must be a matter of concern for the entire international community and not only for Ukraine. The government of Ukraine regards the Memorandum of Understanding between it, the G-7 group of industrialized nations and the European Commission on closing the Chornobyl station as an important legal acknowledgment of collective responsibility for addressing the Chornobyl problem. By closing the Chornobyl station last year, Ukraine fulfilled its obligations envisaged by the memorandum.

Ukraine appreciates the efforts of the G-7 group and the European Commission in fulfilling their commitments, as well. However, the slow pace of implementing several of the memorandum's key provisions by Ukraine's partners remains of significant concern. In particular, Ukraine regrets the slow pace of construction of two unfinished nuclear reactors at Khmelnytskyi and Rivne, which have been impeded by a protracted feasibility study and a complicated procedure of providing credits through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The consequences of the Chornobyl closure have put a considerable strain on Ukraine's economy. Without adequate compensation for the 5 percent of electric energy lost, it has become increasingly difficult to ensure the continued stable functioning of Ukraine's remaining electric power system. Meanwhile, the government expects to spend over $750 million worth of incoming international assistance to continue the removal of radioactive materials from the destroyed reactor, and to replace the temporary metal and concrete containment structure with a permanent and safer encasement.

In addition to these technical efforts, there remains an acute need to address the ongoing social ramifications of the Chornobyl disaster and the station's subsequent closure. Improving the health conditions of the station personnel and the residents of the town of Slavutych remains a high priority. Creating new employment for the more than 5,000 people who are expected to lose their jobs in the next few years as result of the station's closure must soon be addressed.

The closure of the Chornobyl nuclear power station began a new era in dealing with the long-term effects of the disaster. While ambitious plans are underway by the government of Ukraine to ensure the health and livelihood of its people, future progress will remain predicated on continued support and partnership with the international community. We look forward to working with our partners to help ensure that similar tragedies never again occur.

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