France to renew N-tests?

Wednesday, May 12, 1993 - 10:00

France to renew N-tests?

There are indications French nuclear testing may resume in the South Pacific. The head of France's Atomic Energy Commission is urging the government to end its moratorium on nuclear weapons testing, saying the arsenal's effectiveness is at stake.

Philippe Rouvillois told the French National Assembly's defence committee on May 3 that the tests are indispensable for confirming ideas and calculations.

France announced a year ago that it was suspending nuclear tests for at least a year. Russia and the United states also are observing moratoriums, although US officials reportedly are considering resumption on a limited basis.

Rouvillois says from a scientific and technical standpoint, resuming tests is a necessity and called for a quick decision. France needs to keep a competitive edge against the United States and Russia, he said.

Experts say a start-up period of at least three months would be needed before tests could resume at Moruroa Atoll. n

[Pacnews via Pegasus.]

From GLW issue 99