The Caribbean Community (Caricom) called for an end to the "dangerous environmental gamble" of radioactive waste shipments, warning of an impending transfer from Britain to Japan through the Caribbean. Spokesman Leonard Robertson said that British authorities informed regional officials that a ship would soon pass on the way to the Panama Canal. Caricom could not say the exact date or name of the ship, but said that the practice was "unacceptable and injurious." For years, Japan has sent nuclear waste to Britain and France for reprocessing and shipment back to Japan for storage. The ships pass through the South Pacific Islands and the Caribbean, causing local officials to fear accidents and terrorist attacks. A spokesman for Pacific Nuclear Transport Ltd. confirmed that there would be a shipment, but said that it would not pose a risk, citing the fact that there has not been a single incident of radioactivity release over decades of nuclear transport activity. However, an energy campaigner said moving toxic waste is an unnecessary risk, stating that "no sustainable solution for the highly radioactive waste exists on either side of the oceans." The organization called for an immediate end to the shipments, noting the fact that the Caribbean is recognized by the United Nations as a Special Area in the context of sustainable development. Early last week, the European Union (EU) tightened its nuclear waste rules, requiring states to present a timetable for the construction of disposal facilities by 2015. Though exports of waste to non-EU states will be allowed, the destination must operate a sustainable repository, and exports to African, Pacific, and Caribbean countries and to Antarctica are ruled out. For the full story, see http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/Caribbean-states-want-end-of-nuclear-waste-shipments/articleshow/9313206.cms and http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/americas/caribbean-nations-object-to-japan-bound-shipment-of-reprocessed-nuclear-waste-through-region/2011/07/21/gIQA6xsRSI_story.html. For the story on Europe's new rules, see http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2011/0720/Can-Europe-find-a-safe-place-for-nuclear-waste.