French people oppose Pacific N-tests
A new opinion poll in France shows a majority oppose any resumption of nuclear testing in the South Pacific. The poll also shows an overwhelming number believe the French military should not be responsible for making a decision about resuming tests at Moruroa.
Greenpeace issued the results of the survey as a French military vessel sailed into Auckland harbour on May 10.
In the poll 59% opposed any more tests at Moruroa, while 41% felt they were still necessary for France's defence.
However, only 8% wanted the French military to make the decision about whether testing should continue or not. Forty-three per cent believed the government should make the decision, and 44% wanted a referendum on the issue.
Greenpeace's spokesperson Stephanie Mills said the poll result was an obvious rebuke to the military who had been lobbying heavily for testing to resume.
Mills said, "The last thing France needs is to jeopardise its relations with the South Pacific, put Moruroa at increased environmental risk and give more power to its military".
She said the majority of French people now both oppose nuclear testing resuming and want more of a say in what has been a "sacred cow" issue for the French military.
[Pacnews via Pegasus.]