ANC STATEMENT ON NUCLEAR TESTING IN THE PACIFIC BY THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT

The ANC strongly condemns the resumption of nuclear testing in the Pacific Ocean by the French Government. This action comes at a time when there is emerging international consensus on the need to stop such testing and to move towards the elimination of nuclear arms and technology.

Our new democratic government has taken an important lead in the recent debates about the non-proliferation treaty and has been applauded for the example it has set by unilaterally taking a decision to dismantle South Africa's nuclear capacity.

The development of nuclear bombs and the continuation of nuclear testing constitutes one of the most serious threats to humanity and a healthy environment. The ANC calls upon the French Government to immediately halt this nuclear testing. The ANC expresses its support and solidarity with all those organisations who have come out in protest against such testing.

Issued by:
The Department of Information and Publicity,
P.O. Box 61884,
Marshalltown 2107,
Johannesburg.
20 July 1995