Oslo 7 October 2005
Jan Vande Putte of Greenpeace International said:
"ElBaradei's role as head of the pro nuclear International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) calls into question the wisdom of making him a noble laureate. The IAEA, while tasked with policing the spread of nuclear weapons is also responsible for spreading the very technologies and materials used to make nuclear weapons. However, in opposing the Iraq war and championing a nuclear free Middle East, ElBaradei has in recent years been a voice of sanity in the world of nuclear non-proliferation."
"Greenpeace hopes that this award will spark a new discussion around the fundamental contradiction of the International Atomic Energy Agency's dual role as nuclear policeman and nuclear salesman. Only once that duality is removed can the IAEA truly focus on the pressing threat of the global spread of nuclear weapons technology, both civil and military."
Greenpeace is an independent campaigning organisation that uses non-violent creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems to force solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future.
For further information:
Mike Townsley, Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 621 296 918 Jan Vande Putte, Greenpeace International Nuclear Campaign, +32 496161584
