PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has called on Japan at the 78th United Nations General Assembly to explore other options in addressing its treated nuclear waste water and immediately stop discharging it into the Pacific Ocean.
In his speech to the UNGA last Saturday (Solomon Islands time) Prime Minister reiterated that Solomon Islands stands with likeminded Pacific Islanders who are appalled by Japan’s decision to discharge over a million tonnes of treated nuclear waste water into the [Pacific] Ocean.
He said, “With the already increased warming and acidification of the ocean, the discharge of treated nuclear water over a period of 30 plus years poses a worrying risk to people’s wellbeing and future.
“We note the IAEA’s (International Atomic Energy Agency’s) assessment report is inconclusive and that the scientific data shared remains inadequate, incomplete and biased.
“These concerns were ignored. If this nuclear waste is safe, it should be stored in Japan.
“The fact that it is dumped into the ocean shows that it is not safe.
“The effect of this act is transboundary and intergenerational and is an attack on global trust and solidarity.
“So the message is clear, our lives, our people do not matter.”
Prime Minister Sogavare added, “If we are to rebuild trust and reignite global solidarity, we must be honest and frank in protecting our oceans which are the lifeblood of our people.
“Mr President, I’m morally and basically obliged to speak for humanity – their voices and our children’s children.
“We are the ocean. It is our past, our present and our future. It is the foundation of our very existence. It is our identity. Please stop the discharge of nuclear treated water or history will judge us.”
By IAN LADDS
Solomon Star, Honiara
