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Greens criticize France, UK, US for double standards over WMD

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Brussels, Feb 12, IRNA -- During a debate on nuclear disarmament in 
the European Parliament in Strasbourg Wednesday afternoon, two Green 
MEPs, Caroline Lucas and Patricia McKenna, accused the UK and France 
of being hypocritical by endorsing the principle of nuclear 
disarmament while simultaneously upgrading their own nuclear arsenals.
UK MEP Caroline Lucas said: "When it comes to the debate about 
weapons of mass destruction (WMD) the fact that two EU Member States 
possess nuclear weapons arsenals undermines the moral authority of the
EU as a whole. 
"The overwhelming hypocrisy of both the UK and US governments in 
demanding the disarmament of others, while simultaneously upgrading 
their own nuclear capacity, is clear for all to see. 
"Britain and France perhaps need to be reminded that, according to
the International Court of Justice in the Hague, nuclear weapons are 
immoral and illegal. 
"These countries should lead by example and unilaterally dismantle
their illegal nuclear warheads," said Lucas. 
Patricia McKenna, Irish MEP, said: "Ireland was one of the 
original instigators of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. It is now time 
for them to play a major role in making Europe nuclear free. 
"The (EU) Presidency must push the UK and France into getting rid 
of their nuclear weapons and for NATO to get rid of its first strike 
policy," added McKenna. 
NK/AH/210 
End