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PRIME-MINISTER 98/ 95
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING MP
THE FIRST FRENCH NUCLEAR TEST
The Australian Government utterly condemns France's nuclear explosion at
Mururoa. By its actions the French Government expresses its contempt for the countries
and people of the region, and for all those who hope and work for a nuclear free
world. Whatever the French Government had in mind by conducting this test, it has
done nothing to enhance the honour of France, and has severely damaged its
international reputation.
Australia will be protesting in the strongest possible terms to France, and
pressing ahead vigorously with our comprehensive program of action aimed at
convincing the French Government to desist from further tests.
I have asked the Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Mr Bilney, to convey our
protest directly to the French Government during his visit to Padis later this week
as leader of the Australian Parliamentary Delegation on nuclear tests.
As I have said, our protests will not end with the first test. Until the tests stop, we
will continue to remind the French Government that with every test they conduct,
the good name of France is diminished in this part of the world.
I note reports that President Chirac has suggested the number of tests at
Mururoa may be fewer than originally announced. This apparent response to
international protests will not diminish our opposition to each and every nuclear
test in the Pacific. We do not want fewer tests; we want no tests.
DARWIN 6 SEPTEMBER 1995