Address of Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov on the occasion of the anniversary of the Chornobyl tragedy

Chornobyl. The largest worldwide nuclear catastrophe in the history of humankind. The epicenter of a terrible human tragedy.

Over thirty years have passed since the fire at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Station was localized at the cost of unprecedented sacrifices and heroism. The heroes-liquidators fulfilled their duty to extinguish the fire but gave the most precious - their lives.

We bow our heads low recalling all those who defended the world from the radioactive disaster. Ukraine will always remember you...

The years, that have passed since the nuclear apocalypse, have not eased the pain of losses and suffering. We should not forget our compatriots affected by the Chornobyl disaster: the liquidators of the accident, those who lost their homes, those who lost health and capacity to work, those who need enhanced social protection. The time has come for us to move from discussions and traditional calls to practical measures of creating appropriate conditions for economic rehabilitation and development of the territories that suffered from radioactive contamination.

Together with the whole world, we must make efforts to prevent another terrible man-made disaster!