DOWNWINDERS UNITED
For Release October 6, 2006
Contact: Preston Truman, 208 766-5649
Mary Dickson, 801 359-9403
Tona Henderson, 208 365-5840
Eleanore Fanire, (928) 753-6051
Downwinders Denounce North Korea Plans to Test Nuclear Weapons
Downwinders United, a group of downwind victims of nuclear testing from seven states, opposes in the strongest terms North Korea's plans to conduct its first nuclear test.
North Korea has bucked international pressure, including a resolution unanimously adopted by the United Nations, to abandon its plans to conduct a nuclear test. The U.N. resolution, drafted by Japan, said such a test "would represent a clear threat to international peace and security." The international community also has expressed strong concern that testing a nuclear device would undermine non-proliferation efforts.
"The last thing this world needs is another nuclear-armed state," says Preston Truman of Malad, Idaho, "since none of the existing nuclear nations can apparently behave themselves properly with the power they have by finding ways to rid the world of all such weapons."
Downwinders United is adamantly opposed to nuclear testing by any country, which Truman says "can only be viewed for what it is - a nuclear attack against all humanity."
The group also has been a fierce opponent of resumed testing in the United States. "The language that is being used by the international community to condemn North Korea's plan, should apply equally to all nations' intentions to test - including our own," says downwinder Mary Dickson.
"The greatest tragedy that could occur if North Korea tests would be for our country or any other nuclear nation to use it as an excuse to resume the same nuclear madness," adds Truman. "At times like this we should remember the words of President John F. Kennedy when he announced his support of a nuclear test ban: We test, then they test and then we have to test again and soon you build up until someone uses them."
"When will the governments of this world realize that we all breath the same air, live on the same planet? We can not distance ourselves from other countries and their pollution or their nuclear fallout," Says Tona Henderson of Emmett, Idaho, " As a human race we must look to what is best for everyone, not just ourselves! America should try to reach out to the countries like North Korea and find some mutual ground to start talks, again, as many times as it takes, what would be the down side? Maybe a better place for our children!"
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