(January 19, 1990) We have recently received letters of appeal from organizations and individuals in Poland for international support in the campaign against the Zarnowiec nuclear power plant.
(325.3253) WISE Amsterdam - For awhile, it looked as if nuclear power in Poland would be ending, when Klempicz was stopped and plans to stop the building of Zarnowiec were put forward. But, in September of last year, Polish people got the first bit of unofficial information that the nuclear problem was returning. Since then there has been much activity around the issue. We have recently covered actions against the plant, including a blockade and hunger strikes (see WISE News Communiques 322.3226 and 323/4.3238).
In the campaign against Zarnowiec, members of the Polish Ecological Club based in Poznan, Poland, have written papers, memorials and petitions to key persons in Poland. They prepared special information for all members of Parliament four times. It is a very absorbing and tiring campaign, due in part to the strong nuclear lobby in the country.
According to Peter Pruszczak in Gdansk, the inhabitants of Gdansk are against nuclear power in Zarnowiec and there has been much public support for the actions against the plant. But, he adds, the questions raised by the manifestations have gone unanswered. Not only this, but information of the hunger strike and blockade were suppressed. He states that due to the unwillingness of the government and Parliament to discuss the nuclear issue publicly, the Polish society is misinformed. Pruszczak states that it seems that people are running out of non-violent means of resistance and so help is very much needed. He suggests writing ecological and peace groups in Europe,Ür . Ü.demonstrations at Polish embassies and consulat s. Lastly, he asks for contacts! He can be reached at the address given below.
In a letter from the Franciscan Ecological Movement, Wladyslaw Dobrowolski writes that the nuclear lobby is very strong especially in Warsaw and it had and still has a great influence on the government through Solidarity leaders. The attitude of Polish society is made clear by the more than 250,000 signatures of people from all over the country on demands sent to the Prime Minister and the Parliament to ban investment in Zarnowiec. Dobrowolski goes on to say that in December 1989 the government decided to stop building Zarnowiec in 1990, but that they did not declare a final ban of the investment itself. This means that during the entire year of 1990, money will be spent for the protection of the facilities already built. Furthermore, there is contradictory information about the governmental decision to have a referendum on the matter (see also letters below).
TO ALL INTERESTED IN NUCLEAR SAFETY IN EUROPE
We are campaigning to stop the construction of the nuclear power plant at Zarnowiec near Gdansk in Poland. We are afraid that our action may not succeed because of the existence of a powerful nuclear lobby.
We need immediate help!
In the present situation the Polish government is very sensitive to Western public opinion and to the pressure of Western governments. You can support our efforts by sending the enclosed letter to your President, or your Prime Minister, or your MP (according to your choice), by having this letter published in your national press, and by sending it to the Polish government.
Franciscan Ecological Movement
Walowa 28
80855 Gdansk, Poland
President...
Prime Minister...
MP...
It has been brought to my attention that the construction of the nuclear power plant at Zarnowiec near Gdansk is the cause of a deep anxiety in Polish society. Some doubts have been expressed:
- The siting of the plant on a tectonic fault and above deposits of natural gas,
- the out-dated construction of the reactor (VVER type) and the lack of a containment device,
- the careless construction which does not guarantee the maintenance of the proper technological norms.
The fact that Zarnowiec is much closer to us than Chernobyl makes us seriously concerned. I appeal to you to take all necessary measures towards the evaluation of the possible dangers that the operation of such a plant could bring to us, and possibly to exert pressure on the Polish authorities to stop the construction of this plant.
Yours sincerely,
(name)
Those informed:
1. local press
2. the Polish government: The Prime Minister of Poland, T. Mazowiecki, Al. Ujazdowskie 1/3, 00©583 Warsaw, Poland
3. the organizers of the action: Franciscan Ecological Movement, Walowa 28, 80©855 Gdansk, Poland
Sources and contacts:Polish Ecological Club, Ul. A Mickiewicza 35, 60-837 Poznan, Poland, tel: 66 5061, W 63
Franciscan Ecological Movement, Walowa 28, 80-855 Gdansk, Poland
Peter Pruszczak, Szyprow 5 A/7, 80-855 Gdansk, Poland
Energypolitical Association Alternative for Nuclear Power (EVY), c/o Ulla Klotzer, Pursimiehenkatu 29-31A, SF 00150 Helsinki, Finland.