Analytical Studies
G7/8 Summits • G7 Tokyo Summit
Statement on the Implications of the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident
Tokyo, May 5, 1986
- We, the Heads of State or Government of seven major industrial
nations and the Representatives of the European Community, have
discussed the implications of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear
power station. We express our deep sympathy for those affected.
We remain ready to extend assistance, in particular medical and
technical, as and when requested.
- Nuclear power is and, properly managed, will continue
to be an increasingly widely used source of energy. For each
country the maintenance of safety and security is an international
responsibility, and each country engaged in nuclear power generation
bears full responsibility for the safety of the design, manufacture,
operation and maintenance of its installations. Each of our countries
meets exacting standards. Each country, furthermore, is responsible
for prompt provision of detailed and complete information on nuclear
emergencies and accidents, in particular those with potential
transboundary consequences. Each of our countries accepts that
responsibility, and we urge the Government of the Soviet Union,
which did not do so in the case of Chernobyl, to provide urgently
such information, as our [countries] and other countries have
requested.
- We note with satisfaction the Soviet Union's willingness
to undertake discussions this week with the Director-General of
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We expect that
these discussions will lead to the Soviet Union's participation
in the desired postaccident analysis.
- We welcome and encourage the work of the IAEA in seeking
to improve international cooperation on the safety of nuclear
installations, the handling of nuclear accidents and their consequences,
and the provision of mutual emergency assistance. Moving forward
from the relevant IAEA guidelines, we urge the early elaboration
of an international convention committing the parties to report
and exchange information in the event of nuclear emergencies or
accidents. This should be done with the least possible delay.
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Source: U.S., Department of State, Bulletin,
No. 2112 (July 1986): 4-5; Economic Summits, 1975-1986:
Declarations (Rome: Istituto Affari Internazionali, 1987):
145-46; Great Britain, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Political
Declarations and Statements of Annual Economic Summits, 1978-1986
(London, 198-) [unpublished]; Embassy of Japan, Ottawa, Canada.
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