April 2008 Archives
My friend Kathy Ryan from Chernobyl Children’s Project International sent me a link to a story regarding Belarus’ President Alexandr Lukashenko and his attacks on critics of his plan to build a nuclear power station in the contaminated areas of his country.
Lukashenko argues that Belarus is surrounded by countries with nuclear power plants, any one of which could suffer a catastrophe and further contaminate his country. Since there are no guarantees that these stations are completely safe, he sees no reason why his country cannot have such a facility of its own.
Of course, Lukashenko says nothing about his attempts to repopulate the contaminated areas of Belarus in an attempt to increase agriculture and industry. After reading “contaminated areas” and “agriculture” in the same sentence, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see the potential problems with this policy.
One could argue that if Belarus needs to establish some level of energy independence (and I fully support that), what better than to build a nuclear plant in an already contaminated area. However, that argument falls flat on its face when you consider that Lukashenko is forcing people to repopulate the area.
Yes, you read that right. People are being forced to repopulate contaminated areas of Belarus. Apparently the government is requiring many university graduates to live and work in contaminated areas. If they refuse, students could be stripped of their diplomas or required to reimburse the state for the full cost of their educations.
These work assignments began in 2007 and approximately 25% of this year’s 21,000 graduates are being sent to contaminated areas. So far, around 800 youths have refused their assignments.
Lukashenko argues that Belarus is surrounded by countries with nuclear power plants, any one of which could suffer a catastrophe and further contaminate his country. Since there are no guarantees that these stations are completely safe, he sees no reason why his country cannot have such a facility of its own.
Of course, Lukashenko says nothing about his attempts to repopulate the contaminated areas of Belarus in an attempt to increase agriculture and industry. After reading “contaminated areas” and “agriculture” in the same sentence, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see the potential problems with this policy.
One could argue that if Belarus needs to establish some level of energy independence (and I fully support that), what better than to build a nuclear plant in an already contaminated area. However, that argument falls flat on its face when you consider that Lukashenko is forcing people to repopulate the area.
Yes, you read that right. People are being forced to repopulate contaminated areas of Belarus. Apparently the government is requiring many university graduates to live and work in contaminated areas. If they refuse, students could be stripped of their diplomas or required to reimburse the state for the full cost of their educations.
These work assignments began in 2007 and approximately 25% of this year’s 21,000 graduates are being sent to contaminated areas. So far, around 800 youths have refused their assignments.
Valery Legasov was a prominent Soviet scientist, member of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR and Deputy Head of the Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy. He was involved with a group of scientists who worked on the liquidation of consequences of the Chernobyl accident.
Upon hearing about the Chernobyl accident, Legasov visited the site including hovering above the reactor in a helicopter at a height of 300 meters. He informed the government about the situation, noting security risks at the plant. He even called for the immediate evacuation of Pripyat and caused himself trouble by honestly and openly reporting his findings.
While investigating the Chernobyl site, Legasov exposed himself to massive amounts of radiation at Reactor 4 and soon began suffering from health problems and depression. Legasov committed suicide on the second anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, but not before leaving a recording in which he explained the unknown facts about the disaster, including the reactor design as the main source.
It will be well-worth your time to watch this excellent 26-minute report by Russia Today reporter Alexey Yaroshevsky, which explores the accident, Legasov's life, and his mission to find the cause of the Chernobyl accident.
Original Source: http://www.russiatoday.ru/documentary/period/2008/04/28
Upon hearing about the Chernobyl accident, Legasov visited the site including hovering above the reactor in a helicopter at a height of 300 meters. He informed the government about the situation, noting security risks at the plant. He even called for the immediate evacuation of Pripyat and caused himself trouble by honestly and openly reporting his findings.
While investigating the Chernobyl site, Legasov exposed himself to massive amounts of radiation at Reactor 4 and soon began suffering from health problems and depression. Legasov committed suicide on the second anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, but not before leaving a recording in which he explained the unknown facts about the disaster, including the reactor design as the main source.
It will be well-worth your time to watch this excellent 26-minute report by Russia Today reporter Alexey Yaroshevsky, which explores the accident, Legasov's life, and his mission to find the cause of the Chernobyl accident.
Original Source: http://www.russiatoday.ru/documentary/period/2008/04/28
I just found a very interesting report from Russia Today acknowledging the 22nd Anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. Most of it is presented by Alexey Yaroshevsky, the reporter who authored "Pripyat: Ghost City Chronicles." This report, "Biggest man-made disaster in history remembered" is only 2-3 minutes long and definitely worthwhile watching.
I want to provide a quick update about my last post about the documentary film “Pripyat: Ghost City Chronicles.”
In the original post, I mentioned the film contains a few factual errors. I am now posting a retraction to that statement.
I have been fortunate enough to have come into contact with Alexey Yaroshevsky, a reporter at Russia Today TV and author of this documentary. We discussed the main “error” I found and have determined it was due to a misunderstanding on my part. Therefore, I believe the information presented in this film is 100% correct.
If any readers feel I may have misled them in the original post I apologize for the mistake. I also want to offer my personal apology to Mr. Yaroshevsky. He has created an amazing documentary about Pripyat and I do not want anyone to think any less of his work due to an error I made when writing about his film.
Thank you for your understanding.
In the original post, I mentioned the film contains a few factual errors. I am now posting a retraction to that statement.
I have been fortunate enough to have come into contact with Alexey Yaroshevsky, a reporter at Russia Today TV and author of this documentary. We discussed the main “error” I found and have determined it was due to a misunderstanding on my part. Therefore, I believe the information presented in this film is 100% correct.
If any readers feel I may have misled them in the original post I apologize for the mistake. I also want to offer my personal apology to Mr. Yaroshevsky. He has created an amazing documentary about Pripyat and I do not want anyone to think any less of his work due to an error I made when writing about his film.
Thank you for your understanding.
If you are at all interested in Chernobyl and Pripyat, you have to take some time to watch this fascinating new documentary, "Pripyat: Ghost City Chronicles". I noticed a few factual errors, but overall, this film is excellent. It includes:
UPDATE (4/26/2008): It has come to my attention that there are no factual errors in this film - this statement was made due to a misunderstanding on my part. Please see my update post for more details.
- Discussions in Pripyat with Alexander Esaulov - the author of the new book I posted about earlier this week.
- Some pre-accident film footage from Pripyat I have not previously seen
- Footage of marauders stealing radiators out of Pripyat (this footage was originally shot by administrators from Pripyat.com)
- Footage with my friend and former Pripyat resident Alexander (Sasha) Sirota
- Footage with another friend and founder of Pripyat.com, Vladislav Vivitsky
UPDATE (4/26/2008): It has come to my attention that there are no factual errors in this film - this statement was made due to a misunderstanding on my part. Please see my update post for more details.
Chernobyl Atomic Energy Station General Director Igor Gramotkin announced on April 23, 2008 that work has been completed on the reinforcement of the original Sarcophagus, which was hastily built following the 1986 accident at the plant's Reactor 4. Gramotkin stated that the structure can now withstand forces from an earthquake registering up to 6.0 on the Richter scale.
On April 23, 2008, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko inaugurated a nuclear waste storage and processing center located near the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant. The facility's first module, constructed with aid from the European Commission, should be functional by the end of this year.
The new facility should be able to store up to 75,000 cubic meters of nuclear waste. The entire complex is due to be completed in 5-10 years, allowing storage and processing of radioactive waste from all four of Ukraine's operating nuclear power stations. There are no plans for the facility to store foreign nuclear waste.
The new facility should be able to store up to 75,000 cubic meters of nuclear waste. The entire complex is due to be completed in 5-10 years, allowing storage and processing of radioactive waste from all four of Ukraine's operating nuclear power stations. There are no plans for the facility to store foreign nuclear waste.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has publicly voiced her desire to change Ukraine from a semi-presidential republic to a parliamentary republic, which is the dominant form of government amongst European Union states. It appears that Tymoshenko not only has support from her own Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc (BYuT), but also from the opposition Party of Regions (PRU).
This change requires a change to the country's Constitution and would be in the opposite direction hoped for by President Viktor Yushchenko. Having been handcuffed by constitutional reforms enacted from 2004-2006, Yushchenko has hoped to undo those changes and increase his power. He planned on support from Tymoshenko and the ability to bypass parliamentary approval through a popular referendum. Yushchenko even set up a National Constitutional Council to draft amendments that would reverse the previous reforms.
This Council included representatives from all major political parties, but PRU withdrew in early 2008 and BYuT members have done little more than observe the proceedings. PRU and BYuT have since agreed to draft a separate set of amendments, which appear to support a parliamentary republic.
On April 18, Yushchenko suffered a huge defeat when Ukraine's Constitutional Court declared that the Constitution could not be changed through a referendum. Chief Judge Andry Srtyzhak said the President could submit draft amendments to Parliament, which could then request the Court to determine their legality.
BYuT cheered the ruling and Tymoshenko now believes the Constitution can be amended according to her design and early Parliamentary elections could be held by the end of 2008. Together, PRU and BYuT can easily get their Constitutional changes through Parliament. If this occurs, the character and importance of the next Presidential election could be completely changed.
Now we know why Tymoshenko has refused to acknowledge questions about her potential candidacy in the next Presidential election. Tymoshenko wants power, not to be a representative figurehead. She must have had this planned all along - make concessions with Yushchenko to be assured of becoming Prime Minister, and then take the necessary steps to change the government to a parliamentary republic, stripping the presidential office of its remaining power.
Yushchenko must be devastated by the way in which he was deceived and manipulated by someone he thought was an ally. Ukraine may indeed be better off as a parliamentary republic, but this seems like a sneaky, underhanded way of getting there.
This change requires a change to the country's Constitution and would be in the opposite direction hoped for by President Viktor Yushchenko. Having been handcuffed by constitutional reforms enacted from 2004-2006, Yushchenko has hoped to undo those changes and increase his power. He planned on support from Tymoshenko and the ability to bypass parliamentary approval through a popular referendum. Yushchenko even set up a National Constitutional Council to draft amendments that would reverse the previous reforms.
This Council included representatives from all major political parties, but PRU withdrew in early 2008 and BYuT members have done little more than observe the proceedings. PRU and BYuT have since agreed to draft a separate set of amendments, which appear to support a parliamentary republic.
On April 18, Yushchenko suffered a huge defeat when Ukraine's Constitutional Court declared that the Constitution could not be changed through a referendum. Chief Judge Andry Srtyzhak said the President could submit draft amendments to Parliament, which could then request the Court to determine their legality.
BYuT cheered the ruling and Tymoshenko now believes the Constitution can be amended according to her design and early Parliamentary elections could be held by the end of 2008. Together, PRU and BYuT can easily get their Constitutional changes through Parliament. If this occurs, the character and importance of the next Presidential election could be completely changed.
Now we know why Tymoshenko has refused to acknowledge questions about her potential candidacy in the next Presidential election. Tymoshenko wants power, not to be a representative figurehead. She must have had this planned all along - make concessions with Yushchenko to be assured of becoming Prime Minister, and then take the necessary steps to change the government to a parliamentary republic, stripping the presidential office of its remaining power.
Yushchenko must be devastated by the way in which he was deceived and manipulated by someone he thought was an ally. Ukraine may indeed be better off as a parliamentary republic, but this seems like a sneaky, underhanded way of getting there.
If you want to truly test your ability to read and translate Russian text, a fascinating new book is about to go on sale in Ukraine. Titled "Owner of the Zone" (Хозяин Зоны), this long-awaited book was written by Alexander Esaulov, the Deputy Director of the Pripyat Executive Committee of the City Soviet of People's Deputies at the time of the Chernobyl accident. In that position, Mr. Esaulov would have been directly involved in the decision to evacuate Pripyat.
Besides his work as a participant of the liquidation of the consequences from the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Energy Station and for the city of Pripyat, Esaulov also worked in the Ukrainian Ministry of Finance from 1976-1985.Simply put, this should be an amazing book. I am sure there will be some extremely interesting facts revealed about the city, accident and evacuation.
I'm going to have to learn Russian much quicker so I can read and understand this book. If you are interested in obtaining a copy, it should be available soon at Pripyat.com's online store, "Active Zone."
Photo of Alexander Esaulov © proza.ru
Former Russian Atomic Energy Minister Yevgeny Adamov was released from prison today, two months after being sentenced to five and a half years in jail for abuse of office and defrauding the Russian Government of $31 million in US aid money. Some of this aid money was intended for upgrades to Russian RBMK nuclear reactors, the same style as those at Chernobyl.At the request of US prosecutors, Adamov was arrested in Switzerland in 2005. When authorities attempted to have Adamov extradited to the US, Russia filed their own extradition request, claiming that Adamov would be tortured to reveal nuclear secrets if sent to the US. After six months of deliberations, the Swiss courts sent Adamov to Moscow.
Adamov, who served as Russia's Atomic Energy Minister from 1998 - 2001, was found guilty in February and sentenced to serve his sentence in a Russian penal colony. Two of Adamov's partners, Vyacheslav Pismenny (former head of the Troitsky Institute of Innovation and Thermonuclear Research) and Revmir Frayshut (former director of Russian uranium enrichment giant Tekhsnabeksport) were also found guilty, but given four year suspended sentences due to their advanced age and poor health.
Adamov's attorney immediately filed an appeal, requesting his client receive the same circumstances as his co-defendents. After considering the motion, Moscow's Zamoskovorestky District Court, the same court involved in the original trial, granted Adamov a four-year suspended sentence with probation.
Believe it or not, Adamov defended himself by saying he kept the US government aid in several personal accounts to save it from falling victim to Russia's turbulent economy. Granted, there were a lot of shady things going on in Russia at that time (besides this scheme), but I can't believe this guy was a government minister and actually believed that excuse would allow him to be found innocent. Once again, you just can't make this stuff up!
Chernobyl Will Continue to Have a Long-term Effect
Following up on the quote I posted yesterday regarding radiation exposure in the Chernobyl Zone, the following is a rough translation of a short interview I found with Vladimir Bebeshko, the General Director of the Scientific Center of Radiation Medicine AMN of Ukraine. In the interview, first published by Rambler Media (Russian language) on 4/25/2007, Bebeshko asserts that the health of Ukrainians has deteriorated not because of economic difficulties, but as a direct result of the Chernobyl accident.
That was an interesting interview, however I'm not sure there is scientific evidence that eating sea kale would help protect you from radiation exposure. I hope I'm never in that situation because I am not a big fan of those foods, though I do occasionally eat apples.
Originally Published in Russian language 4/25/2007 - Rambler Media - "Чернобыль еще долго будет давать о себе знать"
Following up on the quote I posted yesterday regarding radiation exposure in the Chernobyl Zone, the following is a rough translation of a short interview I found with Vladimir Bebeshko, the General Director of the Scientific Center of Radiation Medicine AMN of Ukraine. In the interview, first published by Rambler Media (Russian language) on 4/25/2007, Bebeshko asserts that the health of Ukrainians has deteriorated not because of economic difficulties, but as a direct result of the Chernobyl accident.
How do you evaluate the present attitude of the world community to the Chernobyl catastrophe?
International experts attempt to reduce this catastrophe to only a radiation emergency. Our scientists insist that Chernobyl has had a complex impact on the population, and on the ability to live in the country, which has led to recession of the gross national product, poverty, decrease in birth rate, and other similar things. This is especially noticeable in the contaminated territories.
And how do the international organizations explain their position?
The IAEA insists that people's health has deteriorated because of the economic situation worsening, a decrease in the standard of living. We cannot prove that it is a result of the influence of ionizing radiation. We do not have clearly substantiated criteria for the estimation and similar conculsions. But those from the IAEA are unacceptable to us. Because the IAEA does not recognize the negative influence of small radiation doses, it only considers as victims, those receiving high [doses]. For example, the 26 firement who participated in extinguishing the fire at ChAES [Chernobyl Plant], and those who died of irradiation in 1986.
How dangerous are small doses?
They act on human organisms at the cellular level, and this subsequently is shown. In three countries injured by Chernobyl during the first 5 years after the accident were found more than five thousand cases of cancer of ???(щитовидки) in children. And today, participants in the liquidation of the accident and people who were in the Zone from April through August 1986 have become ill with cancer of the thyroid gland. Until August, the action of radioactive iodine was sufficient protection.
Therefore, Chernobyl will continue into the future?
Yes. The disturbances in the functions of organs and systems can pass into the organic pathologies. In the post-accident period, iodine was for us the heaviest. Children have suffered immune and endocrine systems, infringement of the regulation of the organism is gone. But this Vegetovascular Dystonia Syndrome of fatigue, increased blood pressure are complex symptoms. Specifically, all this now provokes different diseases. Cardiovascular system, kidney, liver, bronchi, lungs, hemopoietic organs - they are all open to the influence of radiation. They need to be protected.
[Note: Vegetovascular Dystonia Syndrome is an inaccurately translated Russian term. In the West it is known as autonomic neuropathy, mostly affecting the cardiovascular system.]
How can you decrease the influence of radiation on an organism?
It is worthwhile to use iodized salt, sea kale, sea products, pectins - apples, pumpkin or melon. They all decrease radionuclides. Well, certainly, it is necessary to go participate in sports, eat correctly and be an optimist.
That was an interesting interview, however I'm not sure there is scientific evidence that eating sea kale would help protect you from radiation exposure. I hope I'm never in that situation because I am not a big fan of those foods, though I do occasionally eat apples.
Originally Published in Russian language 4/25/2007 - Rambler Media - "Чернобыль еще долго будет давать о себе знать"
I ran across an interesting article today about Chernobyl tourism. The story is from 24UA, which is a Ukrainian news agency.
The article does not contain much new information, however it does provide some updated trip planning facts:
Cost: $420-630 for two people
Route: Kyiv - Dytyatky Checkpoint - Chernobyl Plant - Pripyat - Dytyatky Checkpoint - Kyiv
Required Documentation: Passport
Special Character: Zone of Ionizing Radiation
Limitations: 18 Years of Age
The most interesting item in the article is a quote regarding a visitors exposure to radiation while in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Vladimir Bebeshko, the General Director of the Scientific Center of Radiation Medicine AMN of Ukraine, said (rough translation from original Russian text):
Despite the obvious mistake, Bebeshko's observation about sunbathing is similar to what I was told during my trip - that my radiation exposure in the Zone would be approximately the same as my exposure in the plane during the round-trip flights. Bebeshko's statement is nothing earth-shattering, but is nonetheless an interesting comparison from someone in his position.
Original 24UA Article: Экскурсия на ЧАЭС полезна для потенции
The article does not contain much new information, however it does provide some updated trip planning facts:
Cost: $420-630 for two people
Route: Kyiv - Dytyatky Checkpoint - Chernobyl Plant - Pripyat - Dytyatky Checkpoint - Kyiv
Required Documentation: Passport
Special Character: Zone of Ionizing Radiation
Limitations: 18 Years of Age
The most interesting item in the article is a quote regarding a visitors exposure to radiation while in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Vladimir Bebeshko, the General Director of the Scientific Center of Radiation Medicine AMN of Ukraine, said (rough translation from original Russian text):
"There the person will receive no more than if they sunbathe on the beach all day in Egypt or Turkey.... People work there every day and do not exceed the permissible standards which they can receive within the course of a day. On object "Shelter" [the Sarcophagus] - there are problems, but where you are driven, there is nothing to be afraid of...."The quote included a statement about showing people zones where the radiation levels are 1 microroentgen/hour. Either Bebeshko was misquoted, or he misspoke, because 1 microroentgen/hour is lower than normal background radiation levels. Overall, radiation levels in much of the Chernobyl Zone are certainly safe over short periods of time, but they are not that safe!
Despite the obvious mistake, Bebeshko's observation about sunbathing is similar to what I was told during my trip - that my radiation exposure in the Zone would be approximately the same as my exposure in the plane during the round-trip flights. Bebeshko's statement is nothing earth-shattering, but is nonetheless an interesting comparison from someone in his position.
Original 24UA Article: Экскурсия на ЧАЭС полезна для потенции
Yes, I have finally added some new, non-blog material to the website. Due to the addition of this new document, the web site's Chernobyl menu option is now operational.
This item is a brief fact sheet about Pripyat. In essence, it is a document providing numerical data about the city, roughly effective at the time of the accident in 1986. Please excuse the rough English, but it is a translation of a Russian-language document.
The original was prepared by Yevgeny Leontyev as he received it from the former Deputy Chairman of the Pripyat City Executive Committee, Alexandr Esaulov. If you are interested in the original Russian version, you can find it at the main Pripyat.com website.
This item is a brief fact sheet about Pripyat. In essence, it is a document providing numerical data about the city, roughly effective at the time of the accident in 1986. Please excuse the rough English, but it is a translation of a Russian-language document.
The original was prepared by Yevgeny Leontyev as he received it from the former Deputy Chairman of the Pripyat City Executive Committee, Alexandr Esaulov. If you are interested in the original Russian version, you can find it at the main Pripyat.com website.
You may have seen this video before, but it seems appropriate to post it as we approach the Chernobyl disaster anniversary. This is a short film produced by a friend of Huns & Dr. Beeker who combined their song "Ghost Town" with video footage from Elena Filatova's website (the lady who posted a photo journal of her "motorcycle trip" through the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone).
This song about Pripyat and the Chernobyl disaster is absolutely haunting - I get shivers every time I hear it.
By the way, the rest of the CD "The Middle of Somewhere" is pretty darned good, too. You can purchase it for a very reasonable price from Huns & Dr. Beeker's website.
This song about Pripyat and the Chernobyl disaster is absolutely haunting - I get shivers every time I hear it.
By the way, the rest of the CD "The Middle of Somewhere" is pretty darned good, too. You can purchase it for a very reasonable price from Huns & Dr. Beeker's website.
Another contract was signed on April 3 by the administration of the Chernobyl Atomic Energy Station. This contract with the Ukrainian company Yutem («ЮТЭМ») is to perform additional on site work in preparation for construction of the New Safe Confinement (NSC). The Chief Engineer of this project (POM) is Andrey Savin.This aim of this venture is to remove all above-ground structures that currently exist within the area that will be affected by NSC construction. Any foundation structures located at the southern and northern extent of the current Sarcophagus will also be removed. Included in this effort will be the removal of the foundation used for the installation and support of the crane used to build the original Sarcophagus in 1986-1987.
Approximately 30 thousand cubic meters of reinforced concrete are expected to be cleared away. If workers encounter any highly radioactive materials during the course of this work, extraction, transport and disposal will be handled by the appropriate divisions of the Chernobyl AES.
Physical work for clearing the area is scheduled to begin in September 2008, with the digging of NSC foundation areas to start in November. All work under this contract is expected to be complete by the end of 2009.
Photo courtesy of Chernobyl AES
In the eyes of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukraine is not an independent nation.Apparently, during a private meeting with US President George W. Bush at the recent NATO summit in Bucharest, Putin said, “Don’t you understand, George - Ukraine is not even a nation! What is Ukraine? Part of her territory is Eastern Europe, and part, a considerable part, was given by us!â€
The summit agenda included the consideration of Ukraine and Georgia's applications to be included in the NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP), the initial stage required to joining the alliance. The applications were blocked, at least temporarily, by Germany and France.
Putin, who feels that NATO's expansion toward Russia is a threat to his country, made it clear that if Ukraine and Georgia are included in the MAP, Russia will acknowledge the independence of Georgian regions Abkhazia and Southern Ossetia. These two autonomous Georgian republics both passed referendums in 2006 declaring their independence, but their sovereignty has yet to be recognized by any country. Putin's recognition of these republics as independent nations would create a buffer zone between NATO forces and the current Russian border with Georgia.
The real surprise was Putin's bold assertion that if Ukraine and Georgia were included in the MAP, Russia may initiate a process to incorporate the Russian-speaking regions of eastern Ukraine and Crimea into its own territory, possibly by force. Yes, that's right ... Russia would claim a large amount of Ukraine as their own! This is hilarious - inclusion in the MAP does not even guarantee NATO membership.
After hearing this statement, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko responded by saying, "If this was really said, it indicates the utmost irritation with the fact that Ukraine began to defend its own national interests, defend its independence, and build its own strategy.†Huh? Believe it or not, Tymoshenko also noted this response was her own personal view, and not an official statement. First of all, the statement was nothing earth-shattering. Actually, it was a whole lot of nothing and a pointedly weak response. Second, I hate to break it to her, but as a high-ranking government official, anything she says in public will be considered an official statement.
So, to recap, the outgoing President of Russia has decided that his country will deny sovereignty to a fellow former Soviet republic and neighbor, possibly by force, if NATO formally considers Ukraine's application for membership, and Ukrainian Prime Minister Tymoshenko makes a weak public response, but declares it to not be official. You just can't make this stuff up - it truly writes itself!
A group of former Pripyat residents in Kyiv have banded together and created an international action titled "The Saved Planet." The purpose of this action is to appeal to everyone around the world to make our planet a better, happier place.All they ask is on April 26 from 1700 to 1710 GMT* (Greenwich Mean Time) say a prayer to save our planet and mankind. If you are not religious, spend these 10 minutes having good, bright thoughts.
I find it amazing that these people, direct victims of the Chernobyl disaster, can take such a day of sorrow (the anniversary of the Chernobyl accident) and turn part of it into a day of hope. No, they are not ignoring the legacy of the Chernobyl disaster. How could they possibly do that? Instead of letting the horrible memory of that incident rule the day, these victims have chosen to use part of the anniversary for a more positive outlook. These people are truly amazing!
I'm not a religious person, but I cannot help but feel touched by this appeal. Think about what many of these people have been through in the last 22 years. If they can maintain a positive outlook for part of April 26, then the rest of us can certainly do the same. So mark your calendars and join in this international action on April 26.
I have posted the complete text of "The Saved Planet" appeal, written by my friend Lyubov Sirota, in the Articles section.
* In the US, the time would be from:
- 1:00 - 1:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time
- 10:00 - 10:10 AM Pacific Daylight Time
According to the Chernobyl Atomic Energy Station's Information Department, by April 25, 2008, 80% of the load carried by beams B1 and B2 in the original Sarcophagus will be transferred to newer external supports. Repairs to the structure's roof are expected to be completed this summer.
Following the completion of the above work, preparations for the physical construction of the base for the New Safe Confinement can begin. Chernobyl Plant Director Igor Gramotkin hopes that work connected with the New Safe Confinement will not only go according to plan, but even proceed ahead of schedule.
The current plan is for physical construction of the New Safe Confinement to begin in April 2009.
Following the completion of the above work, preparations for the physical construction of the base for the New Safe Confinement can begin. Chernobyl Plant Director Igor Gramotkin hopes that work connected with the New Safe Confinement will not only go according to plan, but even proceed ahead of schedule.
The current plan is for physical construction of the New Safe Confinement to begin in April 2009.
Here are two more videos from CBS News covering the 22nd anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster:
Chernobyl's Abandoned City (1:11)
Sealing Chernobyl's Reactor #4 (3:10)
Chernobyl's Abandoned City (1:11)
Sealing Chernobyl's Reactor #4 (3:10)
Ukrainian media is reporting President Viktor Yushchenko has sent a letter to Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko protesting the appointments of several former officials from President Leonid Kuchma's regime to important governmental posts.
The following is a list of questionable offers and appointments:
This news truly shocked me. How many times has Tymoshenko refused to work with the Party of Regions (supporters of Kuchma) due to the questionable nature of their past performance in government? Could she be more hypocritical than to refuse to work with the Party of Regions, yet give others with the same background important positions in government? I can't believe she would actually allow someone involved in the 2004 election falsification to hold an office in her government. As hard as she fought for change during and after the Orange Revolution, it is astonishing she would allow the past to infiltrate her cabinet.
It may appear that I have been bashing Tymoshenko quite a bit lately, and I really don't want to do that, but some of her recent decision-making and approach to policy is extremely unsettling. Believe me, I would like nothing more than to see Tymoshenko and the Democratic Coalition succeed and implement necessary reforms, but not the way she is doing it.
The following is a list of questionable offers and appointments:
- Viktor Medvedchuk - former Kuchma chief-of-staff has apparently received an offer to head the National Defense and Security Council.
- Oleksiy Ischenko - a former deputy of Medvedchuk and member of the Social Democratic Party of Ukraine (SDPU) is already serving as First Deputy Minister for Regional Development. Ischenko has been implicated in the falsification of the 2004 Presidential elections that brought about the Orange Revolution.
- Taras Kozak - former deputy head of the State Customs service under Kuchma
- Oleksandr Parshyn - former first deputy head of the National Agency for Efficient Use of Energy under Kuchma. Along with Kozak, has been working in the central bodies of power.
- Olha Ginzburg - head of the State Archives Committee and Communist Party member retains her position while being accused of abusing her office by opposing state policy aimed at restoring historical truth.
- Oleksandr Zadorozhniy - current Tymoshenko adviser and former Kuchma representative in the Verkhovna Rada who made a huge effort to force through the political reform that cut presidential power in 2005.
This news truly shocked me. How many times has Tymoshenko refused to work with the Party of Regions (supporters of Kuchma) due to the questionable nature of their past performance in government? Could she be more hypocritical than to refuse to work with the Party of Regions, yet give others with the same background important positions in government? I can't believe she would actually allow someone involved in the 2004 election falsification to hold an office in her government. As hard as she fought for change during and after the Orange Revolution, it is astonishing she would allow the past to infiltrate her cabinet.
It may appear that I have been bashing Tymoshenko quite a bit lately, and I really don't want to do that, but some of her recent decision-making and approach to policy is extremely unsettling. Believe me, I would like nothing more than to see Tymoshenko and the Democratic Coalition succeed and implement necessary reforms, but not the way she is doing it.
We're closing in on the 22 year anniversary of the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant in Ukraine. In the next several weeks, I hope to add some new content to the site outside of this blog.
The following 2-minute clip is a report from CBS News regarding the accident and construction of the New Safe Confinement structure:
The following 2-minute clip is a report from CBS News regarding the accident and construction of the New Safe Confinement structure:
What is Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko thinking? In an April 1 press conference, Tymoshenko indicated her intent to take part in Kyiv City Council sessions after the upcoming early elections.
“Should the Kyiv Council session consider significant issues,” Tymoshenko said, “I will for sure attend, because, as of today, the capital indicates the worst results of corrupted work. On the other hand, I would like to show that a wide-scale cleansing of corruption for the whole country will begin from Kyiv.”
Tymoshenko claims that a Kyiv City Council Deputy mandate will not hinder her work as Ukrainian Prime Minister. Yeah, right! She has so much work to do as Prime Minister and has the opposition carefully monitoring her every move. She has struggled to get legislation passed without distractions from another position. I just don’t see how she can be successful in both positions at the same time.
If she really becomes a city council deputy, the work of one or both of these positions is going to suffer. President Viktor Yushchenko is probably very interested in this situation. If Tymoshenko fails to get her work done as Prime Minister, it could make Yushchenko the favorite to become the democratic candidate for next year’s presidential election.
I think this would be a huge mistake by Tymoshenko, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens.
“Should the Kyiv Council session consider significant issues,” Tymoshenko said, “I will for sure attend, because, as of today, the capital indicates the worst results of corrupted work. On the other hand, I would like to show that a wide-scale cleansing of corruption for the whole country will begin from Kyiv.”
Tymoshenko claims that a Kyiv City Council Deputy mandate will not hinder her work as Ukrainian Prime Minister. Yeah, right! She has so much work to do as Prime Minister and has the opposition carefully monitoring her every move. She has struggled to get legislation passed without distractions from another position. I just don’t see how she can be successful in both positions at the same time.
If she really becomes a city council deputy, the work of one or both of these positions is going to suffer. President Viktor Yushchenko is probably very interested in this situation. If Tymoshenko fails to get her work done as Prime Minister, it could make Yushchenko the favorite to become the democratic candidate for next year’s presidential election.
I think this would be a huge mistake by Tymoshenko, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens.
