Russian
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| Contents Russian |
Grigory Pasko Defence Committee |
November 12, 1998
Keidzo Obuti,
Prime-Minister of Japan
Dear Mr. Prime-Minister,
Now you are carrying on important negotiations with Russia aimed at long-term friendly relations between two our countries.
Meanwhile today the man who, while practicing his profession, sought to ensure neighborly relations with your country is on trial.
Captain Grigory Pasko, military journalist, had been studying the problems of the Pacific region's ecological security. In his publications he sought to draw public attention (including that of Japanese community) to extremely dangerous environmental situation in this region. Utilization and disposal of radioactive nuclear waste threaten the security of the whole region. The catastrophe that might be provoked by continuation of the present-day Russian practice of settling these problems is much more terrible on its scale than a well-known Chernobyl tragedy.
Instead of honest attempt to examine all existing problems, taking into consideration safety of all parties concerned, Russian authorities have shrouded these issues in secret instructions and orders and arrested the journalist who was revealing these subjects.
Grigory Pasko has been charged with espionage. He was accused of co-operation with Japanese media (the Asakhi daily and Broadcasting Corporation NHK) that resulted, according to the security service of Russia, in passing some classified information to the Japanese party.
We wish to let you know that Pasko's co-operation with Japanese representatives was nothing but usual journalists' work with the mass media. In addition, the Russian party has no claims to Japanese citizens dealing with Pasko.
This fact indicates that Japanese citizens who had co-operated with Pasko caused no damage to the interest of Russia. Bur nevertheless the journalist is standing his trial.
Mr. Prime-Minister, we request that during the negotiations you express your concern about the fate of journalist Pasko. Because but for such journalists in Russia neither Russia nor Japan would never get to know in proper time about the real threats to well-being and security of both our countries. And what would be worth then all the agreements that you have signed with your Russian colleagues?