UK:EBRD Protest-Mochovce Funding

[The.Greenbase@gb.greenpeace.org]

>> EUROPEAN BANK WRAPPED IN PROTEST  AS MOCHOVCE DECISION 


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                    GREENPEACE PRESS RELEASE
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>> EUROPEAN BANK WRAPPED IN PROTEST  AS MOCHOVCE DECISION 
   DAY APPROACHES
 
LONDON, 08.30 am, 21 March, 1995 (GP) Environmental groups from
across Europe today protested at the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development's (EBRD) headquarters against the
proposal to fund the completion of the Mochovce nuclear power
plant in Slovakia, by wrapping the Bank in part of the world's
largest banner.   The full banner lists the names of 1.2 million
Austrian and Slovakian citizens who are opposed to the $ 1
billion project.
 
Some 70 activists from 18 environmental organisations including
representatives from Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Poland and the
Czech Republic have travelled to demonstrate with UK groups their
outrage over the project.  In addition to wrapping the Bank in
part of the record breaking 60 km banner, activists decorated the
EBRD's statue with Anti-Mochovce messages.
 
The main reasons for their united opposition to the Mochovce
nuclear power plant is:
 
*  The Mochovce reactors are unsafe.  They would not be granted a
construction license in Western Europe.
 
*  Alternative energy sources to Mochovce exist which are cheaper
and more appropriate to the current energy needs in Slovakia.  
*  This project is being promoted as "proof that certain nuclear
power stations designed by the Soviets can reach a satisfactory
safety level" and will be used as an example for similar
projects.
 
The Mochovce project will be the largest loan ever given by the
Bank and will also be its first loan to a nuclear project.  The
governments of Austria, Denmark, Luxembourg, Netherlands and
Norway have already stated their opposition to the project.  
On Monday 20th a letter signed by over 220 environmental groups
from across the world, representing 10 million supporters was
sent to the President of the Bank, Jacques de Larosiere, calling
for the abandonment of the project and investment in alternative
energy sources.
 
"The completion of unsafe nuclear power plants is not in the best
interests of Slovakia or Europe as a whole", said Juraj Krivosik
of the Slovakian Environmental group Za Matku Zem,  "We have
shown time and time again that there are economically and
environmentally viable alternatives,  we have come to London to
reinforce our views".
 
Despite the European Parliament passing a resolution, on the 16th
March, calling for a delay in the Bank's decision,  the vote is
scheduled for 27th March.  The resolution called for a hearing to
be held in Austria prior to the decision and further time to
review the recently presented offer from the Austrian to the
Slovakian Government for an package for energy aid as an
alternative to Mochovce.
 
"The EBRD is pushing through this project without taking into
consideration all issues.  Last month the Austrian government
submitted a 400 page critique of the project. Environmental
groups from 5 countries also presented their comments", said
Heinz Hoegelsberger of Greenpeace Austria, "If these comments are
properly considered then the Bank must reject this project".  
The groups taking part in today's demonstration are.
 
 
 
Contacts:
 
--Slovakia:
CEPA
Greenpeace Bratislava
Ipel Union 
Levicka Env. Skupina (LES)
SZOPK (Friends of the Earth Slovakia)
VLK
Union for the Conversion of Nuclear Power Plants 
ZDR Slatinka
Za Matku Zem       
--Czech Republic:
Hnuti Duha (Friends of the Earth Czech Republic)
Oesterreichisch-Tschechisches Atomkommittee 
--Poland: 
Green Federation
--Hungary:
Reflex 
--Austria:
Global 2000
Greenpeace Austria
Muetter gegen Atomgefahren
--UK:
Friends of the Earth
Greenpeace UK and International
 
For further information contact:
 
Heinz Hoegelsberger        0171 226 3151
Greenpeace Austria              354 5100
 
Phil Weller                0374 265402
Global 2000
 
Juraj Krivosik             0374 265402
Za Matku Zem