The British government today came under pressure to explain the effects of NATO's depleted uranium munitions when it emerged a British soldier became sick after serving in the Balkans.
Mr Kevin Rudland (41) developed osteoarthritis and tooth cavities, lost hair, suffered from stress and needed psychiatric treatment after he served a six-month tour of duty in the Balkans in 1996.
"I think I'm owed an explanation for my benefit and that of other service men and women", he said.
Also a member of the German parliament said today the danger of the uranium munitions was widely known since April 1999 when along with a doctors' organisation he warned of the danger at a press conference in Bonn.
Mr Herman Scheer, a left-wing member of the ruling Social Democratic Party said at the time he called for an immediate halt to the use of such material. He added now an examination of all German personnel who served in Kosovo should be a matter of course.
Yesterday European Commission President Mr Romano Prodi called for an urgent inquiry into NATO's use of the weapons and the suspected health risks.
AFP