CHIRAC MUST ABIDE BY EU RULES AND STOP NUCLEAR TESTS:-11 September

CHIRAC MUST ABIDE BY EU RULES AND STOP NUCLEAR TESTS:GREENPEACE

BRUSSELS, 11 September, 1995--European Environment Commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard today urged France stop its nuclear tests until it can prove the tests are safe.

In a report released today, the European Commission lays out in considerable detail why they have requested that the French government not undertake any more nuclear tests before further evaluation by the Commission.

The report notes the lack of evidence to support French claims that its nuclear tests are safe and cites France's refusal to grant full access to the test site as one main reason for today's announcement.

  • Commission scientists assert that possible long term leakage of radio-active elements is the most significant environmental risk.
  • The Commission states that a reliable risk assessment would require access to detailed data about movements in the rocks and geological structure which they have not been privy to.
  • While the French consider a major and sudden rupturing of the atoll structure unlikely, the Commission cannot confirm this claim without access to the data currently withheld by French authorities."
  • The French data does not provide sufficient information to clearly establish that there is no increase in radioactivity levels over time.
  • The document, "les atolls de Mururoa et Fangataufa", published by CEA/DAM-DIRCEN, concludes that the stability of the volcanic base would not be endangered by further tests but in fact produces no evidence to support this claim.
  • No detailed results are given by French authorities about spatial distribution of radio-active elements in drilling performed after tests. The report states that such details would be of high importance to prove the absence of perturbation of radionuclide migration.

    Under the EURATOM treaty, France must obtain the Commission's permission before it conducts additional nuclear tests. Before that permission is given, they must hand over detailed proof that additional health and safety measures have been taken.

    The Commission's statement today acknowledges that the EURATOM Treaty applies to nuclear military activities in French Polynesia.

    "France cannot ignore its obligations under the EURATOM Treaty -- the world knows how dangerous nuclear tests are," said Louise Gale of Greenpeace. "It is not for France to say whether or not it will accept the Commission's decision to ask France to stop testing until it has taken a position under Article 34 EURATOM. As guardian of the Treaties, it is the Commission which must ensure that Community rules are applied and respected by all Member States, including France."

    The Commission's decision provides an excellent opportunity for other European governments to meet with France and find a way to help France terminate its testing programme, Greenpeace said.

    "Greenpeace is encouraged by the European Commission announcement today and call on France to live it up to it's responsibilities as a member of the European Community and provide in-depth information on the true environmental impacts of nuclear testing in the South Pacific," said Greenpeace International Director Thilo Bode in Brussels today.

    Contact: Louise Gale, Greenpeace EC Unit: +322-280-1400
    Blair Palese, Greenpeace Communications: +44171-833-0600

    NOTES TO EDITORS:

  • The European Commission report was written by the Directorate-General of Environment, Nuclear Safety and Civil Protection (Radiation Protection). It follows a August 24 scientific and technical meeting between French authorities and the Commission -- concerning radiation protection aspects of nuclear tests in French Polynesia.