Taiwan N-Waste Shipment: GP Calls for Responsible Above Ground M

["Greenbase" <greenbas@gb.greenpeace.org>]

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

April 3, 1997, Taipei.   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.

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For further information:
Dima Litvinov, Ho Wai Chi in Taipei +886 2 715 0077 room 1147, or
+852 9104 6190
Anne Dingwall in Hong Kong +852 2854 8300