French arrogance

Repeatedly choosing Mururoa as the site for nuclear tests proves that in truth France is afraid that its people at home might attract radiation-related diseases.

In this matter France is clearly applying a double humanitarian standard. At home it talks about democracy and human rights. At Mururoa, France conducts experiments in technological strength that bring adverse and long-lasting effects to the people of the area.

Studies conducted in the surroundings of Mururoa have proved that a very strong correlation exists between the prevalence of skin disorders and cases of blindness, impotence and cancer in the area, and the presence of nuclear radiation. In addition, the radiation has also damaged the environment.

The world has increasingly come to the conviction that the production of nuclear arms is at present no longer of much use. The arguments that have been designed to refute this opinion, as elucidated by France, have been too far-fetched. And because the tendency is to force the arguments upon others, arrogance has been the result.

As a country in the Pacific region we object to any kind of nuclear test in this area. France's indifference to the protests expressed by the nations of the world demonstrates their arrogance.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta