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Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 21:22:06 +0000
From: Reclaim the Streets
To: roadalert@gn.apc.org
Subject: Gorleben Blockade - URGENT

BLOCKADE * BLOCKADE * BLOCKADE * BLOCKADE * BLOCKADE

THE THIRD NUCLEAR WASTE TRANSPORT OF CASTOR IN GERMANY

In the beginning of March (probably 3/3 to 7/3) six CASTOR nuclear waste flasks from the French reprocessing plant in La Hague and from some German nuclear power stations are supposed to arrive at the German nuclear waste site Gorleben near Hamburg. Another transport of this kind is due to take place later this year. The waste consists of used nuclear fuel shaped into rods or of nuclear waste from La Hague.

The nuclear industry has no solution for the nuclear waste disposal and risks exposing the population to radioactivity and accidents that could damage the flask. But to stop nuclear energy we have to stop all exits for nuclear wastes.

Admittedly massive contingents of police and water canons forced through two CASTOR transports in the last two years against 5000 and 10000 people blockading it, but the transport of November 1996 had to be cancelled due to the growing number of anti nuclear protesters. The taxpayer had to .finance the last transport with 25 million pounds

With an even extended presence of police the German nuclear state plans to crush the resistance in March in a last effort to frustrate any opposition. A waste train of six Castor flasks stretches over half a mile and is difficult to secure. So deliberately the nuclear state creates a situation out of control to justify extreme measures and police violence. But growing resistance also inside the police indicates that the transport can be prevented this time because the capacity of the state to safeguard it is reaching its limits. Therefore a new concept had to be developed to disperse all protesters along the transport route in resistance camps, because otherwise there will be too many to gather in one place. This concept is called X-thousendfold across (X-tausendfach quer) and works like this:

- many resistance camps will be erected along the possible transport road route from Dannenberg railway station to Gorleben nuclear waste site so that everywhere are enough people available to block the transport

- the transport routes are divided in different parts where different kinds of resistance can take place, like sit-downs, road-blocks, chaining up actions, tractor blockades, digging tunnels under the road etc.

- local people are supporting the camps and providing information

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

- To be sure that you are there in time give your phone number to: BI-Buero, Drawehner Strasse 3, D-29439 Luechow, phone number 0049 5841 4684, Fax 0049 5841 3197. This group is organising the demonstration and they will call you up one time when the transport definitely starts and then you have got two or three days left to reach the site. In the end of February ask them when or if the transport is likely to take place and if you have any questions give them a ring. They also help you to find accommodation.

- Try to be in the city of Dannenberg in the Gorleben-area in the beginning of March if there is the transport. Near the city centre there is a camp opposite a petrol station which provides all the information. If you can't find it, just ask. There are tents, but if possible take along your own.

HOW TO GET THERE:

- Take a ferry from Harwich to Hamburg, take trains from Hamburg to Uelzen and from there a bus to Dannenberg. Or, across the Channel to Ostende, across Belgium, try to reach Uelzen near Lueneburg and the rest you already know.

- Try to look average. The police may arrest or send back people entering the Gorleben area who look like protesters. Don't forget waterproof protective gear against water canons and an ID in the case of arrest, otherwise you may be kept in custody until you can prove your identity.

EVENTS

8 FEBRUARY

Nation-wide demonstrations in Berlin 'immediate closure of all nuclear installations worldwide'.

EVERY SUNDAY MORNING.

Civil disobedience near the Dannenberg east-railway station: public demolition of the railway track and the gantry crane which lifts the CASTOR from the train on a truck.

LAST FRIDAY BEFORE THE TRANSPORT

Blockade of Lueneburg at 6:30 pm (nr Hamburg) district government.

LAST SATURDAY BEFORE TRANSPORT

Demonstration at 12:00am in Lueneburg and later bus transport to Dannenberg.

LAST SUNDAY BEFORE TRANSPORT

Parade from Dannenberg to Gorleben and afterwards dispersing of all people over the different camps.

3/3/97 to 7/3/97

Possible CASTOR nuclear waste transport to Gorleben and demonstration and blockade.

CONTACT: BI-Buero, Drawehner Strasse 3, D-29439 Luechow, phone number O0495841 4684, Fax 0049 5841 3197.

Website: http://www.oneworldweb.de/castor

Latest news from: http://www.nadir.org/nadir/initiativ/sz/castor

TRAVEL FROM BRITAIN:

Journey from London to Velzen can be made thus:

TRAIN AND BUS:

Journey can be made in 2 stages by

Stage 1

London - Aachen, go by bus, Eurolines is the cheapest at £53 return. Groups of more than 20 receive a 20% Discount, people of ages 26 or younger receive 10% off.

Stage 2

Train from Aachen to Velzen, a weekend ticket on this will cost you £3 either way.

Total: £59

HITCHHIKING:

By far the cheapest alternative, £18 will get you across the Channel on the ferry.




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