| United Nations, New York, 6 April 2010 - The Secretary-General visited the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan today, becoming the first head of the United Nations to do so. He flew by helicopter to the remote Ground Zero site, where atomic bomb tests were carried out. At the site, he told journalists that Semipalatinsk now stands as a symbol for nuclear disarmament and hope for the future. The Secretary-General commended US President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for concluding a nuclear weapons reduction treaty, which they are to sign on Thursday. He also described President Obama's nuclear posture review as an important initiative. He said, I cannot think of a more fitting - even poignant - place to hear this news. He arrived in Kazakhstan after departing Tajikistan, where he spoke to the press. The Secretary-General told reporters that all parties should refrain from unilateral action concerning the Rogun Dam until the World Bank has concluded its technical assessment of Tajikistans proposed hydro-power project. And he encouraged Tajikistan to further strengthen its human rights and justice institutions. |
