LET’S START WITH A NUCLEAR WEAPONS FREE ZONE

Peace in the Middle East

24 July 2006 - Istanbul, Turkey — Greenpeace is gravely concerned and shares horror at the escalating violence and conflict in Lebanon, Israel and Gaza.
Greenpeace is opposed to war and violence in every part of the world. The path to peace is never a violent one, and the recent escalation of the conflict in the region is deeply saddening. Only peaceful cooperation and dialogue between different peoples and nations offer the chance of lasting peace in this region.

Greenpeace believes that the best contribution to the current situation is to continue with campaigns in this region on oceans, energy & disarmament. While nuclear weapons are not a cause of this conflict, they are one key obstacle to attaining peace in the region. As such our campaign for a peaceful energy revolution and a nuclear free middle east are the most positive and productive steps that can be taken towards greater security and stability in the region and cooperation between states.

Turkey, with 90 nuclear weapons stationed in Incirlik bordering the Middle East, can be considered a nuclear state, of strategic importance in the region. The Turkish government should provide leadership in both Europe/NATO and in the Middle East by getting rid of these weapons and support the call for a nuclear-free middle east.