Summary
of Meeting with International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear
War - 14 February 2005
Present:
Ana Gomes, MEP
Tobias Pflüger, MEP
Vittorio Prodi, MEP
Carl Schlyter, MEP
Rosa Santrich, Assistant to David Hammerstein MEP
Haf Elgar, Assistant to Jill Evans, MEP
Erica Hope, Assistant to Caroline Lucas, MEP
Ernst Guelcher
Martina
Weitsch, QCEA
Robin Bloomfield, QCEA
IPPNW
Delegation:
Professor Henri Firket
Professor Sergei Kolesnikov
Mr Vadim Ockocha
Dr Gunnar Arbman
Dr Frida Sundberg
Dr Elizabeth Waterston
The
following topics were discussed:
•
The NPT:
The IPPNW delegation asked what the Parliaments view was on the
NPT. The resolution from the previous session and the current draft
resolution were both given as examples of work in the Parliament.
It
was noted that in the current NPT debate the issue of the French
and British Nuclear capability is not being discussed. Britain is
currently reviewing its capability and has been in consultation
with NGOs.
The
challenges facing the NPT and the fact that many analysts believe
the NPT is now ‘dead’ were also raised.
Nuclear
Submarines in the Mediterranean:
Current concerns in Southern Europe over the activities of nuclear
submarines following the docking of a UK Nuclear Submarine in Gibraltar
were raised. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4235671.stm)
•
NATO:
Concern was expressed over the placing of US weapons in other NATO
member countries.
•
EU Militarisation:
Concerns over the military content in the draft European Defence
Paper and the Constitution were raised.
•
Public Opinion:
The issue of public opinion and the publics lack of knowledge about
these issues were raised.
What
action can be taken:
•
By the Parliament:
As well as putting forward the draft resolution (to set out its
position on the NPT) it was also noted that the Parliament needs
to engage with the Council of Ministers going to New York.
The
Parliament will also be holding a hearing on WMD on the 17th March.
Bjorn
Hilt from IPPNW will be at the hearing.
•
By NGOs:
It was pointed out that NGOs need to use the resolutions of the
Parliament as opportunities to take action and raise awareness of
the issues under discussion with the public.
Return
to top of page
Return
to the Intergroup Main Page |
