The Hindu : International / India & World : U.S. resolution blames it on Union Carbide

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Sunday, Oct 03, 2004

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International - India & World

U.S. resolution blames it on Union Carbide

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, OCT. 2. Legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives recognising the 20th anniversary of the Bhopal disaster and expressing the commitment of the United States Congress to work with the Government of India to ensure that Union Carbide is held accountable for its actions.

"The Bhopal disaster is widely regarded as the worst peacetime environmental catastrophe in world history. This important resolution expresses our commitment to work with the Indian Government and others to ensure that Union Carbide provides environmental and medical rehabilitation in Bhopal and is held responsible for its actions," the New Jersey Democratic Congressman and sponsor of the legislation, Frank Pallone, has said.

"India is the largest democratic country in the world and enjoys a close and mutual friendship with the United States based on common values and common interests ... our countries should come together to recognise the gravity of the Bhopal disaster and the ongoing environmental problems in Bhopal caused by Union Carbide's policies and disasters," he said.

Mr. Pallone's resolution (H. Con Res 503) expresses the Congress commitment to working with the Government of India, the Dow Chemical Corporation and victims of the Bhopal disaster "to ensure that Union Carbide provides complete medical, social and economic rehabilitation to the victims and their families."

Restore plant site

The legislation calls on the Union Carbide to completely restore the polluted plant site to a habitable condition, remediate the water supply condition and appear before the Bhopal District Court for prosecution of the criminal charges.

The lawmaker from New Jersey is a leading advocate on Capitol Hill on behalf of the victims of the Bhopal tragedy and has worked closely with the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal while drafting this Congressional resolution.

Last year Mr. Pallone along with eight of his colleagues submitted a legal amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals that urged Dow Chemical to be held responsible for the disaster.

The Court ruled in favour of the victims.

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