Problems of minimisation are being solved in close co-operation between the three affected countries - Belarus, Russian Federation and Ukraine. Scientists and specialists of the three countries are participating in joint international programs and projects, co-ordination committees on different problems of rehabilitation of the contaminated regions and affected population. At present actualised programs of joint actions for the second decade after the accident are developed. Basic tasks to be considered jointly can be outlined as follows:
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application of scientifically justified actions to rehabilitate those people who have been contaminated by radionuclides eco-
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health rehabilitation of children and adults,
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socio-
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establishment of economic conditions for sustainable development of the affected regions.
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Based on the analysis of effectiveness of measures taken in the past years in the framework of international projects and accumulated experience we believe than the work on overcoming of the Chernobyl accident consequences must be carried out on the long-term basis. It must be intensively continued in co-operation with the people of free will of the whole World, based on the principle of humanity of the United Nations.
Appealing to co-operation and suggesting a new viewpoint on the Chernobyl problem under different angles the Ministry of Emergencies supports the new strategy of interrelation with organisations and donor-countries. Alongside with humanitarian and scientific co-operation we are ready to develop its new forms, such as:
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non-
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supply of equipment for specific enterprises with delay in payment or barter payment;
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establishment, of joint ventures and new working places in settlements for those relocated and in the affected regions;
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introduction of new technologies for reprocessing of products received at the radioactively contaminated territory.
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Rehabilitation of social and economic activity of population in territories affected by radioactive contamination as a result of the Chernobyl catastrophe is a priority task for the second decade after the accident. Assistance in overcoming of the Chernobyl accident can and must be considered as establishment of the basis for movement of the affected regions and the country as a whole to sustainable development.
I am sorry that some of this is hard to read but to summarise the article in not looking back over the last 15 years but seeking ways to help in the future.. I have emphasised in green where I feel challenged to help.
Belarus and Chernobyl - the Second Decade.
by Ivan Kenik
Inter-Agency Program of International Assistance to Areas Affected by the Chernobyl Disaster' was compiled in 1997 and is a continuation of co-operation between the affected countries with UN in affairs of attraction of international community assistance to rehabilitation of the affected regions of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.
The program encompasses Belarus projects aimed at medical, economic and socio-psychological rehabilitation of the affected regions as well as projects related to environmental, agricultural problems and strategies of information for population.
Special attention is paid to development of bilateral co-operation with countries of the region and other continents. Humanitarian actions were launched with governmental organisations and NG0s (Non Governmental Organisation) of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, USA as well as countries of Eastern Europe and CIS. We recognise and are deeply grateful for the rendered assistance to all who mitigate this tragedy together with Belarus people and those who share concern for the destiny of the affected population.