PM Harper Announces
Further Chornobyl Support
Deauville, France – In recognition
of the 25th anniversary of the Chornobyl accident, Prime Minister Stephen
Harper announced [on May 26] that Canada
will support international efforts to complete safety and stabilization work at
the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. This delivers on important
commitments made by G-8 Leaders at the 2010 Muskoka Summit and will help permanently confine the damaged
reactor site.
“Our Government
remains committed to helping the people of Ukraine deal with the aftermath of the
Chornobyl nuclear accident,” said the Prime Minister. “It is fitting, on the 25th
anniversary of this tragedy, to join the international community in closing this
sad chapter once and for all.”
Canada’s contribution to containment efforts in Chornobyl continues
to help the Ukrainian and neighbouring peoples deal with the devastating consequences
of the 1986 Chornobyl accident.
Canada’s contribution will be made through the European Bank
for Reconstruction and Development, which manages two international funds to address
remediation challenges.
Canada’s contribution will be drawn from the Department of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade’s Global Partnership Program – a program that has
helped address global challenges related to weapons and materials of mass destruction,
including efforts to secure and safely dispose of vulnerable nuclear and radiological,
chemical, and biological materials.
PHOTO
Prime Minister Stephen Harper