French students reject nuclear tests

French students reject nuclear tests

We, student representatives in our countries, want to express our deep concerns about the French decision to renew nuclear testing in the Pacific.

This testing is ecologically hazardous. Regardless of the so-called "safety guarantees", it is impossible to avoid all risks.

The testing will not aid the French strategy of nuclear deterrence. The tests do not test the safety of weapons but are only used to develop new types of weapons, which will slow the process of disarmament. This is unacceptable to the youth of the world.

The decision of Mr Chirac is breaking the diplomatic process of disarmament. It is allowing other countries to justify the resumption of their own nuclear testing. It is weakening the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Students will not accept that our future is mortgaged by one country which refuses to look forward, but instead views the world as if it were still the '60s. The world has changed. Everybody has to understand that.

Guillaume Houzel

Vice President, French National Union of Students

Secretary for Europe, International Union of Students

From GLW issue 192