TEL: 2. Oct. 95 18: 25 No. 00? P. O.'
PRIME MINISTER
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE MON P J KEATING MP
THE SECOND FRENCH NUCLEAR TEST
I deplore the latest French nuclear test at Fangataura. The test Ignores the
understandable outrage of the international community at the French Government's
first test and compounds the sense of anger felt by regional countries as a result of
continued testing.
This decision runs against common sense, France's good name In this region and
around the world has been further damaged, and the test Is contrary to the wishes of
the 71 per cent of the French people who want the French Government to cease
nuclear testing in this region.
. Australia's efforts to press the French Government to abandon Its testing program
will be unceasing and unrelenting until the French Government hears the clear
message from nations around the world to abandon its nuclear testing program. Our
campaign will continue with the same vigour until all the testing stops.
The Australian Government does not accept that nuclear tests are necessary for the
purposes stated by the French Government * to protect France's national security, to
ensure the safety of the French nuclear cOeterrent and to develop simulation
technology. The French Government must explore more fully the technical
alternatives to further tests.-
The French Government has failed to ask the question: would nuclear tests of this
kind be tolerated in metropolitan France? Clearly they would not. The French
Government must accord the South Pacific the same respect that it reserves for
metropolitan France.
Australia fully supports the statement from the recent South Pacific Forum meeting
that called on France to
desist from further tests in the region and to close associated facilities, except
those required for future environmental monitoring;
accept full and exclusive responsibility for any adverse impacts from its
testing on the Pacific environment and people;
provide access to the international community to all scientific data it holds and
to the testing sites themselves to enable an independent and comprehensive
assessment of the risks Involved;
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* Sign and ratify the Protocols of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty.
Only these actions would show that France takes seriously its obligations towards
those countries In our region with which it seeks good relations. If France cannot
even agree to the region's reasonable requests for scientific access, it demonstrates
its disregard for the Interests or the South Pacific community.
Australia Is well advanced In Its negotiations with like-minded countries In bringing a
resolution before the 50th session of the United Nations General Assembly in the
coming weeks, which would constitute a strong statement of international opposition
to nuclear testing and call for an immediate end to such tests. This will build on
similar resolutions and statements made in the parliaments of many nations around
the world, In International organisations such as the IAEA, and In regional groupings,
Including the South Pacific Forum and the ASEAN Regional Forum, and will leave
the French Government In no doubt about the breadth of opposition to nuclear
testing.
We will continue to facilitate campaigns of Information and contact between the
Australian and French people so that the basis of the opposition of Australians to the
testing program and the intensity of their feelings are understood In France.
The recall of the French Ambassador to Australia. France's announcement Nhat It will
sign a truly comprehensive test ban treaty in 1996, and suggestions that the number
of tests may be reduced are all signs that our campaign is having en effect. With
every new test It holds, the immediate and the long-term costs to France increase.
CANBERRA 2 OCTOBER1995 TEL: