15:08, 27 April 2004

Georgia: military and civilian liquidators of Chernobyl disaster demand unified benefits

Yesterday it was 18 years since the day of the Chernobyl disaster. Over 2,000 Georgian citizens took part in the liquidation of the emergency at the Chernobyl atomic station, reported chairman of the Association of Georgian Chernobyl People Vazha Chaduneli. More than 1,000 of them are disabled now. Over 110 liquidators have already passed away. 400 children born in their families are on the books of the National Oncology Center, many of them being ill. The Chernobyl people receive help neither from the county's authorities nor from international organizations, except for an increased pension and some benefits when paying for public utilities.

The Association of Chernobyl People has drawn out a batch of laws, which provides for unified benefits for civilians and military men who took part in the liquidation of the Chernobyl disaster. Those people who have been exposed to radiation for the last years in Svanetia and Samegrelo will fall into this category too. The Chernobyl people hope that the new authorities will pass these laws.

Author: Natiya Djindcharadze, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot