Visit our website: HTTP://WWW.STOPNATO.ORG.UK --------------------------------------------- http://www.ekathimerini.com/news/content.asp?aid=93126 KATHIMERINI ATHENS, SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 28-29, 2001 Editorial Unknown war If, at the time of disclosures concerning the consequences deriving from the use of depleted uranium ammunition during the bombing campaign against Yugoslavia, the public was not informed that the Greek military also used similar weapons, it only took a report by the Greek broadcast of the Deutche Welle to learn that the radar systems on several missiles systems and fighter jets in our country are carcinogenic. The radio station brought to light a scandal, which broke out in Germany at the beginning of the year, regarding the installation by the German military of various US-made radar systems for anti-aircraft missiles and fighters which emitted ionizing carcinogenic radiation. These radar systems remained in use for three decades while it is believed that their manufacturers and the military leaders which commissioned their purchase were aware of the side effects. In Germany, there is talk of 300 cancer patients, former radar operators, while the victims' lawyers claim that similar side effects have been recorded in all countries which used similar equipment. Greece, which has purchased such radar, has not released any data - but it is highly unlikely that it is an exception. Secrecy over the side effects has to do with the priorities of the Cold War, when military superiority consisted of top priority. But it is also related, especially after the cessation of US-Russian confrontation, to the inevitable military secrecy and the lack of adequate political and public control. The radar issue, which comes to the forefront shortly after the depleted uranium disclosures, confirms that arms still remain a terra incognita and that defensive systems, due to their rare use, ultimately cause more damage to their operators than to their enemies. Repeated revelations over the risks resulting from the use of defensive systems pose a major public health issue not only because military staff are seen as taking on the role of guinea pigs, but also because the systems are manned with recruits who are completely ignorant of the perils involved. As much as one may agree with the vital importance of fortifying our country and the need for secrecy over defense preparations, one cannot accept the exposure of young men to unchecked and unjustified risk. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Make international calls for as low as $.04/minute with Yahoo! Messenger http://phonecard.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------------------------- This Discussion List is the follow-up for the old stopnato @listbot.com that has been shut down ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9spWA Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: [email protected] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
