Posted on 08/23/2004 6:13:43 PM PDT by Destro
Europe - AP
U.S. Criticizes Danube Canal Project
WASHINGTON - The State Department criticized Ukraine on Monday for pushing ahead with a shipping canal project along the Danube River despite an international outcry over the possible environmental consequences.
Spokesman Adam Ereli said the Bush administration had publicly criticized the project in May as it was getting under way.
Since then, "construction has continued unabated on the canal," Ereli said, noting that protests have come from governments of Germany, Romania and the European Union (news - web sites), as well as the World Conservation Union and the World Wildlife Fund.
"We remain deeply concerned about the environmental impact of this construction project and by the lack of action by the government of Ukraine to be responsive to its treaty obligations and to the position stated by other countries and the international organizations," Ereli said.
The administration maintains that the planned route for the canal will probably cause significant environmental destruction to the Bystre Estuary, an ecologically sensitive area of the Danube Delta.
According to the State Department, the biosphere region of the Danube Delta provides crucial habitat for endangered species, vital nesting grounds for over 300 species of migratory birds and spawning grounds that support a vital herring fishery.
Think of how the Ukrainians will see such statements from the State Dept.
bump
Here come the f'n endangered species. Wish this crap started in the stone age, we would be now living in the nice caves in harmony with tigers, lions and rats.
FMCDH(BITS)
Endangered fish make great sashimi!
Exactly. Look forward to see whether the Ukranians approve of Yuka Mountain.
Another story for the "It's none of our business" section of the newspaper.
The State Department can hardly conduct it's own business with wisdom; what qualifies them for commenting on the business of other nations?
I figure that the Ukranians have dealt with the reds before this.
There is a term for this: Eco-Imperialism
That is what sometimes tips the scales towards dislike of America. If this is a bad thing they could have done a better more quiet way of getting this displeasure known if it is so dangerous a project.
Good thing these nattering nabobs weren't around when we built the Panama Canal.
Uh oh, Kofi Anan's gonna get pissed.
Same outcry if the US messed with UN property with the US. Solution simple: burn the treaty.
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