Moldovan president says Chernobyl tragedy became example on how any state must not sacrifice its citizens

Chisinau, 26 April /MOLDPRES/ - President Maia Sandu today addressed a public message, in which she commemorates the victims of the Chernobyl catastrophe, which occurred 36 years ago, the presidential press service has reported.      

The head of state noted that more than 3,500 residents of Moldova at that time had been sent to liquidate the consequences of the biggest nuclear accident in the history. They worked in the extremely dangerous zone of the nuclear power station, exposed themselves to risks and sacrificed their health and presently over a half of them have already passed away.

Those who survived preserve alive the memory of their fellows and support the families for which Chernobyl means the loss of the dear people.  

„I express gratitude for all those who, during those days, proved heroism and saved hundreds of thousands of people from the danger of radioactive contamination. The Chernobyl tragedy became an example  on how any state must not sacrifice its citizens,’’ Mai Sandu said in her message. She also said that the radioactive cloud from Chernobyl extended to a large part of the European continent, reaching more countries and the long-term effects of this accident on people’s health and the environment are still studied.     

The war from Ukraine re-brought the word ‘’Chernobyl” to news, re-brought for discussion also the idea of use of the nuclear weapons. In the context, the head of state warns that the speculation with this subject is irresponsible and dangerous.  

„If we value the life and want to give people a safe environment, the international community should toughen the norms as to the nuclear security, in order to avoid the repeating of such accidents. And especially we cannot admit the conscious use of the nuclear weapons. We will save lives only if the countries act united, for the common good, putting on the forefront the protection of the people and of the environment,’’ Maia Sandu added.