Kazakhstan made the first step in anti-nuclear movement: Olzhas Suleimenov
Kazakhstani Ambassador at the UNESCO in Paris, prominent politician, poet, anti-nuclear activist and the man behind the Nevada Semipalatinsk movement Olzhas Suleimenov spoke with Kazinform correspondent about the contribution of Kazakhstanis to the cause of peace and anti-nuclear movement.
- On the 25th of February 2014 we will celebrate 25 years since the foundation of our movement, the first Soviet anti-nuclear movement that soon has earned an international status and achieved tangible results - the closure of the Semipalatinsk Test Site. The residents of Semipalatinsk and all people of Kazakhstan were the first to make such a step.
Here, in Ust-Kamenogorsk, I've met Nikolay Zaitsev, the director of the ethnographic complex who participated in the movement and first rallies in Semipalatinsk near the test site and in Kurchatov. Our meeting brought back wonderful memories that inspired me to write one of my most important works. Zaitsev turned the nuclear waste deposit into a beautiful garden with unique plants and animals. This place is amazing! Olzhas Suleimenov said.
- On the 29th of August, when the clock strikes 11:05 a.m. and hands of the clock take shape of the Latin letter 'V', symbolizing the Victory, the entire world will hold the moment of silence to honor the victims of nuclear tests. What are your wishes to the residents of Semipalatinsk on the eve of this day?
- I wish them health and prosperity, in the first place. They should recall how active they were. The anti-nuclear movement is still on.
- Thank you!
NOTE: A moment of silence in honor of the victims of nuclear tests around the world will be held on August 29, 2013. The ATOM project urges all nations in the world to honor those people. The same day people in eastern Kazakhstan will sign the ATOM petition initiated by the President of Kazakhstan a year ago.