Sunday, February 22, 2004


Kucinich Will Ban Nuclear Testing and Prevent Resumption of a Nuclear Arms Race
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2004

Contact: Terre Lundy/Matt Harris: 216.889.2004, press@kucinich.us

Salt Lake City -- Democratic Congressman and presidential candidate Dennis J. Kucinich will bring his campaign to Utah. At a press conference scheduled for 10:20 AM outside the security checkpoint at terminal 2 of the Salt Lake City International Airport on Sunday, February 22. Kucinich will discuss his vehement opposition to what appears to be the federal government's intention to develop new nuclear weapons and resume full-scale testing. "The cold war is over," says Kucinich. "We must not ever let it resume."

Yet another cold war is where we could be heading. Announcing his country's testing of new strategic missiles capable of defeating any conceivable American missile defense system, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that because of America's development of similar weapons, Russia had little choice but to "modernize our armed forces in the interest of ensuring the security of our own country." Says Kucinich: "Clearly this is indicative of nuclear proliferation. We have to end America's aggressive maneuvering and put a stop to this madness."

Responding to statements made by the National Nuclear Security Administration that scientists are preparing to conduct a nuclear materials experiment in a fashion similar to full-scale tests that were put on indefinite hold in 1993, Gandhi Peace Award recipient Kucinich made clear that under his administration such tests would be permanently banned.

Kucinich strongly supports the pending Congressional legislation drafted by Utah Congressman Jim Matheson -- "Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act" -- that would protect the health and safety of Americans in the event that nuclear weapons testing resumes at the Nevada Test Site. Kucinich also applauds the bill that Utah House lawmakers passed on Friday that would require elected leaders to say "yes" before more radioactive waste hotter than "Class A" -- the least radioactive waste -- can be disposed of in Utah.

While the Bush administration is busy allocating funds to develop new nuclear weapons and prepare sites for testing, Kucinich is committed to complete nuclear disarmament and the renewal of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty; to work with Russia to reinstate the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty; to encourage other nations to participate in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty; and to begin new talks with Russia, China, Britain, France, India, Israel, and Pakistan to develop a plan aimed at the complete elimination of nuclear weapons.

The tragic federal lies told to the people of Utah to cover up their exposure to dangerous radiation is well documented. Says Kucinich: "America needs to lead the world by imposing a complete ban on nuclear weapons testing."

For more campaign information: http://www.kucinich.us

For Congressman Kucinich's Schedule: http://www.kucinich.us/schedule.htm.

To schedule an interview: jonathans@kucinich.us

National contacts:
Jonathan Schwartz, (301) 928-7579 (cell), jonathans@kucinich.us
National Deputy Press Secretary: Nate Wilkes, 602-405-8625, nate@kucinich.us

Contact us:
Kucinich for President
11808 Lorain Avenue - Cleveland, OH 44111
216-889-2004 / 866-413-3664 (toll-free)

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