CELTIC SEA: RUSSIA PRESSED ON NAVAL OIL SPILL INCIDENT

There are concerns that the oil spill could come ashore along the coasts of Wales and Ireland.

The Celtic League has sought clarification from the Russian Federation about a pollution incident last week off the south of Ireland where Russian warships were on exercise - see below:

"Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Ireland His Excellency Mr. Mikhail Evgenyevich Timoshkin 184-186, Orwell Road Rathgar Dublin 14 Ireland

Dear Mr. Mikhail Evgenyevich Timoshkin

Celtic Sea Oil Slick

I am writing to you in order to ascertain what your position is regarding suspicions that a Russian aircraft carrier was responsible for the oil spill that is currently making its way to the southern coast of Ireland and possibly Wales.

We are aware that the Russian authorities confirmed last week that a Russian aircraft carrier had bunkered (refuelled) in the area and denied that any spillages took place, but we would now like to know if this is still the official position. In addition, we would also like to ask:

1) Could the oil slick be attributed to a deliberate dumping of fuel into the sea?
2) Have the Russian authorities cooperated fully with the Irish authorities in providing samples of the oil used on board the Russian vessels?
3) On what evidence did Russian naval spokesman Igor Dygalo, base his assertion that the spill does not have a catastrophic character or constitutes a threat to coastal ecology.?
4) If it is confirmed that the oil slick had indeed been caused by problems in the Russian refuelling procedure, if funds and compensation will be made available by the Russian authorities for the clean up process that will inevitably have to take place?
5) If the spill had not been caused by the bunkering of the Russian aircraft carrier, how do you think the spill might have occurred?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary Celtic League"

Links to media reports on the oil spill incident here:

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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

26/02/09

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