CHIRAC'S NUCLEAR TEST AN INSULT TO THE WORLD: GREENPEACE
Papeete, Tahiti, 5 September 1995--(GP) The over 20 kiloton
underground nuclear test detonated by the French Government at
Moruroa Atoll at 11:39 am local time today is an outrageous act
which shows contempt for global political and public will,
Greenpeace said today.
"This nuclear explosion is a slap in the face by Jacques Chirac
to more than 150 governments and millions of people seeking a
nuclear-free future worldwide," said Greenpeace's Thomas Schultz
from Tahiti. "In post-cold war times, Chirac has succeeded only
in prolonging the nuclear threat that hangs over us all," Schultz
said.
Five hours ago, a second Greenpeace activist in 24 hours was
arrested on Moruroa Atoll in a attempt to stave off the test.
An estimated 20 peace flotilla vessels are currently near the
test area around Moruroa Atoll. The Greenpeace vessels Manutea
and Vega are still in the area as part of the flotilla.
Greenpeace is now calling for a worldwide increase in NON-VIOLENT
protests against the French Government's continued nuclear
nightmare. Dozens of protests are expected to take place in the
next few days at French Embassies and Consulates around the
world.
In Paris, Greenpeace France director Penelope Komites said: "This
test was the first of a planned eight. Worldwide protest has
been unable to stop this one but Chirac is sadly mistaken if he
thinks the protests will die down."
If the French Government now declares its opposition to the
spread of nuclear weapons, it must be seen as a cynical attempt
to hide the development and production of weapons of mass
destruction, Greenpeace said.
Greenpeace has called for the release of its vessels MV
Greenpeace and Rainbow Warrior being held by French military
since September first.
CONTACTS:
Thomas Schultz, Greenpeace International, Tahiti: +689 770613;
Penelope Komites, Greenpeace France: ++33 1 47 70 46 89
or Greenpeace Communications: +44 171 833 0600
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE