3/16 3 Yachts Leave Moruroa Under Threat of Re-arrest

[the.greenbase@green2.greenpeace.org]

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Original-TO:      World Press (Green2:Green2:Gnl:INET)
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                   GREENPEACE PRESS ADVISORY
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      THREE YACHTS LEAVE MORUROA UNDER THREAT OF RE-ARREST
 
Auckland, Saturday March 16th:- Three Greenpeace yachts are
leaving Moruroa for Tahiti today, after being threatened by

the French authorities with re-arrest if they did not depart
immediately.
 
Greenpeace crew had some concern about the condition of the
yacht Vega, but were told they and the yachts would be re-
arrested if they did not leave this morning.  Greenpeace's

Stephanie Mills said Greenpeace had made it clear to the
French authorities that they would be held responsible for any
risks to Greenpeace
vessels and their crew during the transit to Papeete.
 
The vessels are being escorted to international waters by the
French Navy.  Meanwhile, the two captains and chief engineers
of the Rainbow Warrior and MV Greenpeace have been flown to
Hao atoll to join Greenpeace's independent surveyor and legal
advisers in assessing the condition of the two larger vessels. 
Further crew are expected to join them at Hao tomorrow.
 
Further information:  Stephanie Mills, Greenpeace New Zealand
+64 -25-790 817 or +64 9 376 5687 (home).

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