Soviet Union We Are Still Not Satisfied

Doubt and mistrust prevail as scientists discuss Chernobyl

On the surface, relations among the nearly 600 delegates to last week's symposium on the nuclear accident at Chernobyl were cordial, detached and scientific. After all, the Soviets had agreed to the extraordinary 62-nation conference, sponsored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in a spirit of international cooperation. Said Chief Soviet Delegate Valeri Legasov: "All our experts understood that the events that happened (at Chernobyl) concerned not just the Soviet Union but the whole world."

As discussions at the Vienna International Center opened, however, the amiable, and often impenetrable, dialogue was marred by doubts and mistrust. Some Western experts complained...

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