Semipalatinsk test site closed as the result of independence ? Kazakh President
13:49, 18 June 2009
SEMEY. June 18. KAZINFORM. /Yernur Akanbai/ ?Closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site became possible due achievement of independence?, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has said during his working visit to East Kazakhstan region today.
?Today we celebrate a significant date for our country. 20 years ago the largest nuclear testing site of Semipalatinsk conducted nuclear tests for the last time. As you know I decreed to shut down the polygon. Though it was difficult, we achieved results through persistence, power and unity of our people. The polygon was closed as the result of our independence?, the President emphasized.
After the closure the developed countries were convinced in peaceful intentions of our country. ?Our decision made happy the millions of people. They began to believe that the arms race can be stopped?, N. Nazarbayev emphasized.
?Nuclear blasts caused misery for our people. Our future generation will never face such hardships?, N. Nazarbayev added.