GREENPEACE CALLS AGAIN FOR NON-VIOLENCE IN PROTESTS AGAINST FRENCH NUCLEAR TESTING

PAPEETE, Tahiti, 7 September, 1995 -- (GP) In the wake of riots in Tahiti today, Greenpeace again reiterated its call for only non-violent protest in response to the resumption of French testing in the South Pacific.

Following the first in a proposed series of testing on Tuesday spontaneous peaceful protests occurred around the world which Greenpeace welcomed and took part in.

"Clearly, if President Chirac continues to test nuclear weapons, opposition will grow, however, we implore all those who are genuinely striving for a nuclear free world to undertake only non-violent protests," said Thomas Shultz, Greenpeace in Tahiti.

Throughout the world, the public and political opposition to the testing programme continues to grow, with nearly 5 million citizens signing an international appeal sent to France's President and over 150 countries expressing their opposition.

Contact: Thomas Shultz, Mary Morrison, Greenpeace in Tahiti: +689-433-280
Remi Parmentier, Penelope Komites, Greenpeace France: +331-4770- 4689
Blair Palese, Greenpeace Communications: +44171-833-0600 *Enclosed is a statement by the then Greenpeace International Executive Director asking for non-violent opposition to the French testing programme, dated 1 September, 1995.