On the eve of an explosion by France of the first in a new series
of nuclear weapons, Greenpeace International's Executive Director
Steve D'Esposito today appealed to the many millions of members
of the public around the world to express their opposition
peacefully over the coming period.
"Nearly five million people have signed a Greenpeace petition
calling on France to stop the proposed tests. The vast majority
of the world's governments have also expressed their opposition.
France's decision to proceed with testing is a slap in the face
of French national and international opinion opposed to these
tests.
In this context, many millions of people will doubtless feel
deeply angered and frustrated by President Chirac's decision to
proceed with the tests.
"As an organisation committed to peace, and peaceful change,
Greenpeace calls on its supporters and all those who believe that
the world does not need or want nuclear weapons to continue to
make their opposition known, but peacefully.
"Acts of violence against French citizens and property are not
an appropriate or acceptable response to the French Government.
It must be remembered that the majority of French people are
against the testing, and need continued international support to
have their wishes respected by President Chirac. Vandalism or
violence will only strengthen the supporters of French testing.
"The public have made clear they believe it is wrong for France
to build and test new bombs. They see the gross hypocrisy of
French support for a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, but only next
year, after modernising and adding to their own arsenal. The
French position on testing is akin to an alcoholic promising to
stop drinking, as soon as they have filled their cellar.
"Greenpeace urges all those concerned about French nuclear
testing to voice their opposition, but to do so peacefully so
that our voices can be clearly heard. Violent protest will not
achieve the goal we seek -- to end nuclear weapons testing
forever."
GREENPEACE CALLS FOR PEACEFUL PROTESTS IN RESPONSE TO FRENCH TEST