All need to realize consequences of nuclear weapons’ use until it is too late, Oslo conference
The delegation is headed by the Chairman of the Commission on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction under the President, Nazarbayev Center Director Saudabayev, the press service of the Center informs.
The conference has been attended by over 400 representatives of governments and international organizations, scientists and experts in the field of disarmament, non-proliferation and the provision of humanitarian assistance to victims of nuclear weapons.
At the conference there was a presentation of ATOM project, and there was also an art exhibition called "I have only my heart to embrace you: creativity of Karipbek Kuyukov."
Speaking at the conference, Mr. Saudabayev noted the historical significance and importance of the decision of the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev to shut down the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and the rejection of the fourth-largest nuclear arsenal.
"Despite the severe resistance of the Soviet leadership and the military-industrial complex, the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev before the independence of our country in his Decree of 29 August 1991 has closed the world's largest Semipalatinsk nuclear testing ground, he said. "This is a historical fact taken place at the will of the people of Kazakhstan, being of great importance to the world civilization. After the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site, on the example of Kazakhstan and activities of the world community, all other polygons of the planet like Nevada, Lop Nor, Novaya Zemlya fell silent. The world powers of the 'nuclear club' joined the document that prohibits nuclear tests and adhere to the moratorium on their conduct. "
In his speech, Director of "Nazarbayev Center" told the participants about the harmful effects of nuclear testing in Kazakhstan on the humanitarian, social and economic situation of the population, the environment.
"The consequences of nuclear testing are still a negative impact on the health of people living near the place. And 70 percent of them are the victims in the second and third generations born to exposed parents, " he said.
"Since independence, the Government of Kazakhstan has been committed to the rehabilitation of victims of nuclear tests, in general, economic and social support in the region. Thus, the Government has adopted a number of targeted programs aimed at addressing the Semipalatinsk region, and Kazakhstan's Parliament passed the law on social protection of victims of nuclear tests ", said Saudabayev.
Thanking the international community for its assistance in the aftermath of nuclear tests, and the issue of human and ecological rehabilitation of the region, Saudabayev pointed to the relevance of the humanitarian component to assist the Government of Kazakhstan to overcome the effects of nuclear explosions, economic growth and sustainable development of the Semipalatinsk region, along with the technical assistance components. He said: "I would like the appeal of the General Assembly of the UN to provide support to Kazakhstan in its efforts to rehabilitate the Semipalatinsk region to be heard by all States of the international community."
"I would like to express my confidence that the conference has once again reminded of the victims of nuclear tests in the world and motivate all governments to the more active and visible participation in the humane rehabilitation, restoration ecology in the regions affected by the nuclear tests", he said.
"We, survivors of the nuclear tests and eyewitnesses of this terrible madness, are urging to understand the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons, until it is too late. If billions of people in the world are aware of the true nature of nuclear weapons tests, the public opinion will become a force to be enough to erase the nuclear weapons from the earth ", Karipbek Kuyuk, ATOM project Honorary Ambassador, addressed the Conference partakers.
"My call for a nuclear-free world is expressed in my paintings: I put my soul and part of my heart into them... Nuclear arms race, desire to conquer the world with nuclear weapons is growing. We need to stop. And in order to get things done, we need to talk about what we have seen ", said K. Kuyukov.
