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Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community reiterate their
unwavering opposition and that of their peoples to
the blatant and persistent use of the Caribbean Sea
for the transhipment of highly toxic nuclear materials.
They again call on the Governments of France, Japan
and the United Kingdom to respect the economic importance
and ecological fragility of the Caribbean Sea and
the well-being of the millions of people who depend
on this unique resource for their very existence.
Fully conscious of the catastrophic consequences of
any accident for their peoples and for the ecological
systems of the Caribbean Sea, they totally reject
its use as a transit for such nuclear materials. This
is in keeping with the repeated, expressed desire
of the Governments and peoples of the Caribbean.
It is therefore with profound concern
that Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community
have learnt of the simultaneous despatch of two shipments
of highly radio-active nuclear materials from France
and the United Kingdom through the Caribbean Sea and
the Panama Canal destined for Japan. They have also
learnt that the current shipment of mixed uranium
oxide fuel from the United Kingdom is only the first
of a series. They are aware that, in addition to the
usual safety concerns, there are credible reports
that the physical security of such cargoes is grossly
inadequate. The Heads express their outrage at the
increasing frequency and volume of the hazardous materials
being shipped and the fact that the Caribbean Sea
has now become the preferred transit route, in spite
of repeated protests by States in and bordering on
the Caribbean Sea.
Heads of Government therefore appeal
to the United States, with its responsibility for
the passage of vessels through the Panama Canal, to
use its authority to prohibit the shipment of hazardous
nuclear materials via that route and into the Caribbean.
They likewise reiterate their appeal to the Governments
of France, Japan and the United Kingdom to desist
from this dangerous misuse of the Caribbean Sea.
Paramaribo
5 March 1999
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