Prodi calls for research into impact of NATO weapons on soldiers' health
Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission has called for research into the effects of NATO weapons on soldiers who served in the Balkans, and on the local population. Concern relates to the effects of depleted uranium, which was used in anti-tank weapons in the conflict. On 4 January, a spokesman for the European Union announced that an inquiry would be carried out. 'The Commission must ascertain the truth, concerning not just our soldiers but also those who were living alongside them,' Romano Prodi said. On 5 January, Mr Prodi added to this statement, saying that: 'together with public authorities, international organisations and others, we will play our part with the greatest care and sense of urgency in collecting and analysing all relevant information on the situation in the region. I have therefore asked Commission services to coordinate our assistance programmes and contact local authorities to provide any necessary help in monitoring the health and environmental situation on the ground.' Swedish Minister of Defence, Björn von Sydow, speaking on behalf of the Swedish presidency, has supported Romano Prodi's statement, saying: 'It is important that we act. I welcome a discussion about the Belgian proposal to set up a medical working group within the EU.' This deluge of statements comes after a call for action by the Italian government on 3 January, the latest European country to request that NATO investigate a possible 'Balkan syndrome'. The call followed the death of a sixth Italian soldier. France, having disclosed that four soldiers are suffering from leukaemia, has also joined with the Portuguese and Belgian governments in requesting an investigation into the high rate of cancer deaths and illnesses among soldiers who served in the Bosnian and Kosovan conflicts. NATO has agreed to help member countries investigate any link between the weapons and illness, but no scientific evidence has yet been found. Pentagon spokesman Ken Bacon has denied the link between depleted uranium and illness following deployment in war zones: 'We have studied depleted uranium at considerable length over the years because of assertions it might contribute to Gulf War illnesses. We have not been able to find any connection to exposure to depleted uranium and the constellation of illnesses or symptoms included in Gulf War syndrome.'
Countries
Sweden