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.