Press Release Council of Europe Press Division Ref: 123a06 Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60 Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11 [email protected] internet: www.coe.int/press
46 members “Slavutych Appeal” : five basic principles which will act as
Albania a guide to the public authorities in nuclear safety matters Andorra Armenia Strasbourg, 03.03.2006 – At the end of the International Conference “Chernobyl Austria 20 years after” organised on 2 and 3 March 2006 in Slavutych (Ukraine), by the Azerbaijan Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe in co-operation with Belgium the City of Slavutych and the Foundation for Local Self-Government of Ukraine, Bosnia and participants adopted the “Slavutych Appeal” which solemnly reaffirms five basic Herzegovina principles to guide public authorities in nuclear safety matters. Bulgaria
Croatia Cyprus This appeal should both inspire the work of the Congress, and if it agrees, be the subject Czech Republic of a Recommendation to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Denmark Estonia The “Slavutych principles”: Finland France 1. The central role of governments Georgia Global management of nuclear safety on a world scale can only be envisioned on the Germany basis of control by government players in liaison with the international community. Only Greece governments can raise the necessary resources for education and scientific research, Hungary Iceland which are essential and are the first step in a long-term preventive policy. Ireland Italy 2. The crucial role of local and regional authorities Latvia Local and regional authorities have a decisive part to play, in partnership with central Liechtenstein government, involving the citizens and protecting communities. Lithuania Luxembourg 3. Neighbourhood solidarity Malta Nuclear safety cannot be confined to one country's political and administrative Moldova boundaries. It requires effective neighbourhood solidarity and transfrontier co-operation, Monaco Netherlands to ensure that each area concerned, irrespective of the country to which it is attached, is Norway a player on an equal footing with all the others. Poland Portugal 4. Transparency and information Romania There must be comprehensive and permanent access to information. Russia San Marino 5. Involvement and consultation of the citizens Serbia and The populations directly concerned must be involved and consulted under procedures Montenegro specific to each country, including all forms of direct consultation. Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Besides asserting the “Slavutych principles”, the Conference launched “The European Switzerland Forum for Local and Regional Disaster Management”. “The former Yugoslav Republic of The participants paid tribute to the international community, the Ukrainian Government Macedonia” and the Ukrainian local and regional authorities, which have been coping with the tragic Turkey consequences of the Chernobyl disaster for 20 years. Ukraine United Kingdom
To receive our press releases by e-mail, contact : [email protected]
A political organisation set up in 1949, the Council of Europe works to promote democracy and human rights continent-wide. It also develops common responses to social, cultural and legal challenges in its 46 member states.