If time is a measure of our life then 01:23 at Ukraine on the 26th April 1986 is a moment that should linger in every living soul's memory.

It is a time of special significance, it is a time that should be noted and remembered on the Day of Peace of the United Nations (21st September) for all time.

"The explosion at Chernobyl showed that we are capable of contaminating the planet for the long term, and of leaving a terrible legacy for future generations. Today, mankind faces a challenge so huge that, by comparison, the Cold War appears like an incongruous vestige from the past.

"Chernobyl clearly demonstrated that each disaster is unique and that no country can be prepared for every eventuality. That is why we must deploy the maximum amount of effort to prevent disasters. One must not compromise on nuclear safety. The social, ecological and economic consequences of these kind of disasters are much too heavy in every sense of the word.

"We can therefore see what enormous responsibility is placed not only on politicians, but on scientists, engineers and designers—their mistakes could cost the life and health of millions of people. The victims of Chernobyl continue to suffer both physically and mentally. It is our moral duty to help them while continuing to limit the ecological consequences of this disaster."