PM Transcripts

TEL
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING, MP
SOUTH PACIFIC FORUM MISSION TO FRANCE
The delegation representing members of the South Pacific Forum, which I
foreshadowed yesterday, will have discussions in Paris with the French
Foreign Minister, Mr Herve de Charette, on Monday 19 June.
The purpose of the delegation's visit is to make clear directly and
unambiguously to the Government of France the deep resentment felt by
South Pacific countries at the French Government's decision to resume
nuclear testing in the South Pacific region and to seek reconsideration of that
decision. All the countries of the Forum deplore the decision and urge the
Government of France to reconsider.
The Forum has a long history of opposition to nuclear testing, reflected, for
example, in the adoption of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone.
The mission will be led by Senator Evans, representing Australia as the
current Chair of the Forum. Other members will include President Bernard
Dowiyogo of Nauru, the Immediate past Chair of the Forum, and a special
envoy from Papua New Guinea, which will assume the Chair of the Forum at
the next Heads of Government Meeting in September. The Secretary-
General of the South Pacific Forum, the Hon leremia Tabai, will also
participate in the mission, Mr Tabal is the former President of Kribati.
Discussions are underway with other Forum members which have also
expressed an interest in participation.
CANBERRA 16 June 1995 TL J~. un. 95 .013 F0'