March 5, 2002

We Warned Of Nuke Danger For 25 Years,
Say Anti-nuclear Groups

Friends Of The Earth Australia
Australian Peace Committee
Trade Union Green Caucus
People For Nuclear Disarmament W.A.

In response to stories in the New York Times, the Washington Post, TIME magazine, and the Drudge Report that last October, US security agencies had been on the highest state of alert over the possibility that Al Quadea could have smuggled a 10 Kt. nuclear device into New York, Antinuclear groups are saying that they had warned of the danger of terrorist groups obtaining access to nuclear weapons for the past 25 years.

The groups warn that unless real steps are taken to eliminate the nuclear danger long- term, by the elimination of both nuclear weapons and nuclear power it will be only a matter of time before this becomes a terrifying reality.

As the world continues to recoil from the impact of September 11, the reality of a nuclear terrorist attack on New York with a 10Kt warhead would be an unparalleled catastrophe.

According to the groups:
"Antinuclear groups have warned of these possibilities for decades, and been told that the nonproliferation regime ruled them out. Now however, our warnings have become a disturbing reality, and the number one security concern of the current US administration."

"The truth is that the only real solution to the possibility of terrorist groups getting hold of nuclear weapons is to eliminate nuclear weapons completely as Article VI of the NPT requires, and to phase out the nuclear power industry, the source of the fissile material for these devices, as antinuclear groups worldwide have been urging for the last 25-30 years."

"The need to take determined action in this direction has never been clearer."

For further information contact:

John Hallam
Ph: (02) 9567 7533
After Hours: (02) 9810 2598

Bruce Thompson
Nuclear Campaigner
Mob: 0417 318 368