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Green
Cross Russia, Green Cross Switzerland, Global Green USA,
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Government
of the Penza Oblast
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Announcement
of the Fifth Russian Public Hearing on Chemical Weapons Destruction
Penza - October 6-7, 1999
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Green
Cross/Global Green is happy to announce the Fifth Public Hearing on
chemical weapons destruction in Russia. It will take place in Penza
(middle Volga bassin, Russia) on October 6-7, 1999. The hearing brings
together Russian federal, regional, and local officials, military,
non-governmental organizations, and the public for open and informal
discussions and consideration of the destruction plans for the Leonidovka
chemical weapons stockpile as well as the status of the Russian Federation's
Chemical Weapons Destruction Programme. The hearing is endorsed by
the Government of the Penza Oblast, the Russian Chemical Forces, public
organizations, scientists, and citizens.
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Introduction
Since
the approval of the Russian Chemical Weapons Destruction Law in
1996 and the Russian ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention
in 1997, the planning and initial construction of the destruction
facilities in Gorny and Shchuch'ye have well progressed. The coincidence
of several recent events however has slowed down the advance in
the Russian Chemical Weapons Destruction Programme. Though addressed
by the authorities, critical issues remaining over the last years
have been public concerns on health and safety issues, the construction
of social infrastructure in the stockpile communities, and the missing
programme funding. In the case of the Penza Oblast, the abandoned
open pit burning site threatening the regional drinking water reserve,
is another central issue.
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Goals
Under
a motto of "From Confrontation to Cooperation", the Green
Cross hearing aims at building mutual understanding on next steps
needed between the public, environmental organizations, authorities,
and the military, and at promoting practical activities to solve
the complex and interrelated environmental, health, economical,
technical, social, and legal issues. A special panel shall address
the question of non-budget financing of social infrastructure construction.
The hearing is designed to allow an intensive exchange of opinions
and needs between citizens and authorities. The hearing is open
to all interested parties throughout Russia and abroad.
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Participating
organisations
The
hearing will be held on October 6-7, 1999, in Penza (middle Volga
bassin, Russia). Technical experts involved in the planning and
implementation process of the Chemical Weapons Destruction Programme
will present their assessments on medical, environmental, legal,
technical, economical and educational issues. Government, legislative,
and military officials as well as representatives of the seven stockpile
regions, the academia and citizens of Penza and Leonidovka will
give updates on their current efforts and activities.
The
hearing is co-organized by Green Cross Russia and the authorities
of the Penza Oblast with the cooperation of Global Green USA and
Green Cross Switzerland. It is conducted with a commitment to open,
objective, and respectful exchange of pertinent information. A joint
final declaration will be produced, proceedings will be available
to the public.
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Further
information
If you would like to receive further information on the hearing,
please write, fax, or email one of the following persons:
Within Russia:
Green Cross Russia
Prof. Sergey Baranovsky
Tel. +7-095-299 73 44
Fax +7-095-299 70 38
email gcrus@glas.apc.org
Within Western Europe:
Green Cross Switzerland
Dr. Stephan Robinson
Tel. +41-61-382 91 97
email greencross@ubaclu.unibas.ch
Within the USA:
Global Green USA
Dr. Paul Walker
Tel. +1-202-879 31 81
Fax +1-202-879 31 82
email ipis@igc.apc.org
All applications to attend the hearing have to be sent to Green
Cross Russia.
Sergey Baranovsky Paul Walker Stephan Robinson
Green Cross Russia Global Green USA Green Cross Switzerland
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