Hundreds of Chernobyl survivors rally to demand more compensation

[struggle4progress]

Associated Press

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) - Hundreds of Chernobyl survivors marched in downtown Kiev Saturday to demand more compensation for victims of the world's worst nuclear accident 19 years ago.

The Ukrainian Chernobyl Union, a group representing victims of the disaster, organized the march to press for an increase in social benefits, payment of overdue compensation and better medical treatment for thousands of people directly affected by the accident.

Many protesters carried photographs of loved ones killed in the 1986 accident and banners with slogans reading "Chernobyl is closed, are the problems of Chernobyl forgotten?" Police estimated the crowd at around 700.

The explosion of Chernobyl's Reactor No. 4 on April 26, 1986 sent radioactive fallout over then-Soviet Ukraine, Russia and much of northern Europe. Some 3.3 million Ukrainians, including 1.5 million children, were affected by the accident at the plant, located about 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Kiev, and receive financial or other forms of compensation such as subsidized vacations and medical treatment. <snip>

http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/04/23/build/world/53-chernobyl.inc

[cliss]

1. This is so sad.

I hope they get some kind of compensation. An amazing fact about Russia: did you know that their population is declining? Russia has so many health problems, that people are dropping like flies over there.

Ungodly amounts of pollution, untreated sewage, rotting nuclear facilities in several places that are a disaster waiting to happen.

I was really surprised when I read this. This is going to make it tougher for Putin to take a hard-line stance against BeetleBrain. Too bad. I think I actually read one time that BeelzeBush doesn't consider Russia much of a threat. I wonder if the declining population has something to do with it. Thanks for posting.

[struggle4progress]

4. Ukrainian Prosecutors Reveal Huge Embezzlement of Chernobyl Funds

Created: 22.04.2005 16:40 MSK (GMT +3), Updated: 16:40 MSK


MosNews


The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office has filed 63 criminal cases against private commercial firms, charged with embezzlement at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, Itar-Tass reports. Prosecutors claim they have stripped the state budget of $14 million and did $170 million of damage to the victims of the tragedy and those who worked inside the reactor after the 1986 accident.

The new sarcophagus “Shelter 2” above the destroyed power-generating unit was supposed to be put into operation last year. But the money for its construction has been embezzled by the constructors over the past two years, Deputy Prosecutor General Tatiana Kornyakova said. Thus, “at best the sarcophagus will be built within two years.”

The sarcophagus “Shelter 1” that contains at least 200 tons of nuclear fuel from Chernobyl’s No. 4 reactor was built in the fall of 1986, several months after the catastrophe. Experts have repeatedly warned it is too old and may collapse at any time. The term of its guaranteed usage expires in 2006. <snip>

http://www.mosnews.com/news/2005/04/22/chernobyltheft.shtml

[Auntie Bush]

2. Well at least our Vets get a little more than they get.

But that's not saying much. Maybe when we get a Democrat in office we can improve their compensation. However I really feel sorry for all those needy persons...must be horrible to be so ill and get so little help. And George wants to build more nuclear plants.

[kittykatkoffeekup]

3. motorcycle tour

Ride with Elena on a motorcycle tour of Chernobyl (pics). This is why I want the Yankee nuke plant shut down.

http://www.kiddofspeed.com/default.htm :nuke: :scared:

[newyawker99]

5. Hi kittykatkoffeekup!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: