Twice within a period of six weeks and repeatedly right after that period, Central Europe has suffered environmental disasters of the greatest magnitude. Both originated in Romania.

   On January 30, 2000, a cyanide spill from a Romanian mining operation inflicted environmental damage comparable only to the massive release of radiation that followed a fire and explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Ukraine. The cyanide and metal byproducts escaping from the Aurul gold mine in Romania found their way into a tributary of the Tisza, the second largest river of Hungary. The Tisza carried the toxic material into the Danube winding its way through Vojvodina in Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria into the Black Sea. The cyanide killed all life in the Tisza and caused untold environmental and economic damage in the lower Danube basin.

   Less than six weeks later, on March 10, 2000, heavy rain and melting snow burst a dam at the Baia Borsa lead and zinc mine in Northern Romania, 115 miles from the Hungarian border. Some 20,000 tons of heavy metal sludge were released into a tributary of the Viso river, which then carried it, once again, into the Tisza. The river, once called the "Blonde Tisza" because of its beautiful sandy color, has turned black. According to Romanian authorities, the lead concentration of the river is twice above permissible levels, the zinc concentration nine times. The heavy metal spill has completed the destruction of the upper part of the Tisza, begun by the cyanide spill. Moreover, in Romania alone, the disaster may cost some 2,400 workers their jobs.

   An environmental disaster knows no borders. Clouds of dust generated by a massive volcanic outbreak in the Philippines or in Mexico may filter out sunshine halfway around the world. That cannot be prevented. But these two catastrophic events in Romania did not need to happen. They occurred as the direct result of the Romanian government's cavalier attitude about environmental issues. Romania, as well as other countries that fail to act immediately to forestall disasters, which could be prevented, must be compelled by the world community to do so. The existing body of international law, including environmental treaties must be enforced without delay and strengthened where necessary.

   We invite all organizations and individuals who care for the preservation of our environment to show their support and join us at a demonstration in front of the Romanian Embassy in Washington, DC: Sheridan Circle - 1607 23rd Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20008; Saturday April 1, 2000 [11:00AM to 2:00PM] & Sunday April 2, 2000 [11:00AM to 2:00PM].

   We extend a special invitation to all Americans whose roots are in the region directly affected by the two recent disaster -- Romania, Transylvania, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Vojvodina, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine, as well as the European Union.

   If you are unable to join us in Washington, we urge you to organize a demonstration in your hometown. We all share the same environment, let us take a stand to save it!