GREENPEACE DECLARES FOREIGN OFFICE AS THE UK's FIRST EMBASSY OF THE NEW COUNTRY OF WAVELAND - TWO MP's SIGN UP AS FIRST CITIZENS

London, 18 June 1997

Greenpeace activists, including Waveland Ambassadors, have today established, at the offices of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, the first official embassy of Waveland.

Waveland is the new global state, declared by Greenpeace, that came into existence last Sunday, 15th June 1997. The current capital of Waveland, Rockall, has been occupied by three Greenpeace activists in protest at oil developments on the Atlantic Frontier. Rockall is at the centre of a territorial dispute over oil resources located there between the UK, Ireland, Denmark and Iceland. Greenpeace argue that to stop dangerous escalation of climate change new oil developments, such as the Atlantic Frontier, need to be halted now.

The Waveland Ambassadors, dressed in purple and gold ambassadorial suits, are inviting officials at the Foreign Office to apply for a valid Waveland passport. Greenpeace activists set up the new embassy, by installing official plaques and passport issuing facilities, outside the entrance to the Foreign Office. The Ambassadors have been issuing passports to civil servants of the Foreign Office and passers by since 10.30am this morning. The Ambassadors are exempt from any potential police interference under diplomatic immunity.

Speaking from the newly created embassy, Greenpeace oil campaigner, Robbie Kelman, said "The country of Waveland, through it's declaration of independence and interdependence, represents principles the world now needs to halt the ravages of environmental despoilation - particularly our massive impact on the worlds climate."

Greenpeace will be delivering a letter to Robin Cook, the UK's Foreign Secretary, inviting him to become the first honorary citizen of Waveland, as he represents the UK at the upcoming UN General Assembly Special Session on the environment next week.

Two Liberal Democrat MP's, Matthew Taylor Environment spokesperson and Norman Baker MP have become Waveland citizens by accepting passports this morning outside the Foreign Office.

More Waveland embassies will be coming into existence all over the UK in the weeks to come. Greenpeace campaigner Kelman said "Today has seen the opening of the first embassy of Waveland, more will follow, we are urging everyone concerned about the global environment, to show their concern by becoming a citizen of Waveland."

Notes: Letter to Robin Cook available on request

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