Rocket

launch

Dear Sir The article “Rocket launch: Kiribati misses out on being launch site” by Michael Field in your December, 1996 issue was obviously interesting but should not pass without having some of

the issues raised corrected.

In describing the proposed rocket launch and the potential that Kiribati has to become the appropriate site for the launch. Field had obviously obtained information needed for the important article. I say important because from our point of view we believe we could con tribute to rocket-launch activities for the advancement of satellite communications network the world over. We believe we can do this by rendering Kiritimati Island for this purpose, having the appropriate location, environment and space for the rocket launch. This is why the Japanese NASDA is interested to use Kiritimati as a launching site for its satellite-monitor

ing activities.

However, when Field describes Kiribati in his article as “one of the world’s poorest states ...”, he obviously holds misconceptions about the state of affairs in Kiribati, which can be quite misleading to readers. Indeed, Kiribati is classified as one of the Least Developing States, which could be interpreted as being one of the world’s poorest states.

But that is based on economic statistics which are becoming accepted as incom plete to reflect accurately the real state of affairs of a country and its people.

Whilst we do not dispute the current status with which Kiribati is classified as a Least Developing State - the tone in which the article described Kiribati is certainly irritating. It clearly shows lack of respect for the people of Kiribati and lack of appreciation for what the people and the government are trying to do to achieve greater economic independence.

Further, I wish to make it clear that Kiribati has never requested the American-led consortium to put their launch pad near Kiritimati and should they decide to put it in international waters in spite of what may be best avail able at hand at Kiritimati Island for launching activities, that is their own decision. But our talks with NASDA on the possible use of Kiritimati Island for such launching purposes, should contin

ue to proceed regardless.

Kaburoro Ruaia

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Tarawa Republic of Kiribati

Letters to the Editor should be addressed to: The Editor Pacififc Islands Monthly P O Box 1167 Suva

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