TAIWAN NUCLEAR WASTE SHIPMENT: GREENPEACE CALLS FOR RESPONSIBLE ABOVE-GROUND MONITORED STORAGE IN TAIWAN.

TAIPEI, 3 April 1997

Greenpeace today condemned the decision by Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) to ship up to 200,000 barrels of radioactive waste to the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea).

"The government made a dangerous mistake when they decided Taiwan's future should depend on nuclear power, and they must deal responsibly with the consequences. The waste must stay in Taiwan" said Dima Litvinov of Greenpeace International.

Representatives of Greenpeace met this week with legislators, non-government organisations, and representatives of Taipower, the Atomic Energy Council, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. In the meetings Greenpeace stressed their concerns about the agreement:

• the agreement, if approved by the Taiwan government, will set an international precedent. It would be the first time, anywhere, that final storage of radioactive waste is sold to the lowest foreign bidder;
• Taipower is exploiting the economic and agricultural crisis in North Korea, with total disregard for the possible effects on the environment and people of North Korea;
• regional stability has already been undermined by the agreement and the situation will be exacerbated if the shipments proceed;
• the responsibility for radioactive waste generated in Taiwan lies with Taiwan's government and nuclear industry. All radioactive waste should remain in Taiwan in above-ground monitored storage.

"This plan is an environmental and moral travesty, and threatens to further undermine regional security" said Litvinov. "If the Taiwan government authorises the shipment of radioactive waste to North Korea, Taiwan will be the shame of the international community. We call on the countries of the world to use their full influence to halt this radioactive waste dumping scheme."

"Greenpeace will use every available means to prevent this deal from going ahead," he added.

For further information:

Dima Litvinov, Ho Wai Chi in Taipei +886 2 715 0077 room 1147, or +852 9104 6190

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