Protest at French Military Site-NPT

[The.Greenbase@gb.greenpeace.org]

>> IN THE WOODS OF VALDUC, THE BOMB THAT HIDES PROLIFERATION


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                    GREENPEACE PRESS RELEASE
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>> IN THE WOODS OF VALDUC, THE BOMB THAT HIDES PROLIFERATION

VALDUC, France, 3 May, 1995  (GP) At 7 a.m. this morning, 25
Greenpeace activists shut the nuclear centre of Valduc with a
banner reading "sleeping bomb" ("sleeping beauty" joke in
french); They have formed a human chain in front of the main
entrance.

It's the first time, since the build-up of the most protected
military site in France in july 1957 that such a demonstration is
taken place here.

"This Centre of Valduc is at the heart of the french nuclear
proliferation process," said  disarmament campaigner Ben Cramer.
"While the nuclear Non-proliferation (NPT) talks continue at the
United Nations in New York, we're here to expose France's real
role in nuclear proliferation and to call for an end to the build
up of nuclear weapons and materials."

In July 1957, the French Atomic Energy Agency (CEA) purchased 700
hectares (2.47 acres x 700) of land in the French countryside.
Since then, more than 20 buses arrive each morning with hundreds
of civilians and military staff charged with overseeing the 24-
hour-a-day development of France's nuclear weapons.

"We are here to denounced this scandal," said Cramer. "One should
not forget that officials from the military department of the
CEA, i.e. Valduc, have not only reacted negatively to the nuclear
weapons testing moratorium of April 1992 but are also pushing to
resume testing in Polynesia in the near future".

While France celebrates the international freedom of the press
day it's important to point out that no journalist has ever
reported about this dangerous nuclear weapons site. The simple
existence of the installation is a blow to democracy. "From this
spot, the nuclear warheads leave by plane to the Lanveoc air base
next to Ile Longue where the warheads are put on the missiles
that equip french nuclear subs.

While the end of the NPT extension conference is eight days away,
the resumption of french nuclear testing may be on the agenda in
four days.  Greenpeace is calling for a permanent ban on nuclear
weapons testing and for strong and real commitments to
eliminating nuclear weapons as part of the NPT negotiations.

ENDS

Contact:
Nelly Pegeault, Ben Cramer, Greenpeace France: ++331-4770-4689.
*Photos available from the number above.