14.09.07
European Greens condemn Russian Military’s tests of new
“vacuum bomb”
The Spokespersons of the European Green Party today
expressed their serious concern about tests carried out this week by the
Russian military of a new type of “vacuum bomb”.
EGP Co-Spokesperson Ulrike
Lunacek said: “We in the EGP are extremely
concerned about the tests this week of a new type of bomb which is a vacuum
device capable of emitting shockwaves as powerful as a nuclear weapon.
According to Russian generals, this bomb is four times more powerful than the
US Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb or MOAB. Although these claims have
not yet been verified by any independent authorities, they are extremely
disturbing as the MOAB
is said to be capable of destroying nine city blocks in one strike. We condemn
in the strongest possible terms any state which attempts to create this type of
weapon of mass destruction and the Russian Federation is no
exception.”
EGP Co-Spokesperson Philippe Lamberts
continued: “These tests will be deeply worrying to everyone who
recognises the danger posed by the development of powerful weapons, be they
nuclear or, as in this case, conventional. The tests this week are even more
serious when one remembers that these types of weapons are not covered by the
same type of rigorous treaties which cover nuclear weapons. The Russian
military have even been shamelessly praising the “environmentally
friendly” nature of this vacuum bomb, claiming that “the action of
this weapon does not contaminate the environment, in contrast to a nuclear
one.” Such claims beggar belief when one considers the destructive
potential of such a bomb.”
Both Co-Spokespersons concluded: “We know that
these tests are causing particular anxiety to peace activists in the Russian Federation
and its neighbouring countries. We are aware that the EGP’s member party,
the Greens of Ukraine ( Partija
Zelenykh Ukrainy) held a protest action outside the Russian
Embassy in Kiev
this week and we would like to express our support for this action.” Lunacek and Lamberts
concluded.
Graham Burgess
Communications Officer
European Green Party
Tel no :+32 2 626 0724
Mobile:+32 477 902
023
email:graham.burgess@europeangreens.org
www.europeangreens.org