CADU - Kofi Annan addresses DU issue

Kofi Annan addresses DU issue

In a message to the international community on the occasion of the International day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, (Nov 6th 2002) UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan specifically referred to Depleted Uranium stating that it was damaging to the environment.

In his speech, Kofi Annan stated that "While environmental damage is a common consequence of war, it should never be a deliberate aim.although international conventions govern nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, new technologies, such as depleted uranium ammunition, threaten the environment".

The UNEP statement in relation to the International Day, concludes: "The course for the future must be charted with a deeper respect for the environment. Member States must take stock of the guidelines drawn up to protect all victims of war. It is vital that maps be prepared and kept to facilitate clean-up activities when former belligerents come to the table to talk peace. The innocent should not be made to suffer long after the weapons of war have been silenced.

For more info contact: N Nuttall, UNEP email: [email protected]

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Page last updated: August 10, 2005