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On
21 December Greenpeace International sent a formal letter
protesting the ramming of the M/V Arctic Sunrise to the Institute
for Cetacean Research. They
have not responded. The
institute is a non-governmental organization heavily subsidized by
the Japanese government which oversees the whaling fleet in the Southern
Ocean. Greenpeace International has now sent a follow-up letter which
is below. |
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Other Greenpeace
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23 December 1999 Letter From Greenpeace International to the Institute for Cetacean Research Regarding the Ramming of the M/V Arctic Sunrise The Institute of Cetacean
Research Dear Dr. Ohsumi, On 21 December I wrote you about the irresponsible and dangerous manoeuvres made by the Nisshin Maru which resulted in that vessel hitting the Arctic Sunrise. I have had no reply from you, although I have had a reply from the Japan Whaling Association (JWA), citing my letter to you. I have also seen a press release from the JWA's PR agent, Mr. Macnow, quoting you. Both these sources gave accounts that varied greatly from what actually happened in the Antarctic. In particular the Macnow release quotes you as saying "Greenpeace has placed the lives of our ship crews and scientists at risk." This is not true and you should know that it is not true. Your factory ship, a vessel 2.5 times longer and ten times heavier than ours, used her superior speed to overtake the Arctic Sunrise and then turned into her. The people placed at risk by this manoeuvre were our crew, not yours. I demand an immediate end to all activities by your whaling fleet which threaten safety and human life and I look forward to a prompt response from you. Sincerely, Thilo Bode |
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Contacts:
+ 61 2 9263 0351 or + 61 408 869 788
dima@mail.nordic.gl3
Kate Johnston,
Greenpeace International Press Officer -
+ 61 2 9263 0359 or + 61 411 874 819
kate.johnston@au.greenpeace.org