Synthesis/Regeneration 9   (Winter 1996)


During the Albuquerque Green Congress in July, 1995, The Greens/Green Party USA voted unanimously to endorse the following:

Green Parties Oppose French Nuclear Tests at Mururoa


P.O. Box 766, Thames, New Zealand, 4 August, 1995
President Jacque Chirac, France

Dear Mr. Chirac:

The Green Parties of Australia & New Zealand/Aotearoa appeal to you and your government to reverse your decision to resume nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll. We believe that you should reverse your decision for the following reasons:

1. The will of your own people. As a leader of the French people, you demonstrate your honor by respecting their wishes, and over 75% of your population do not support the resumption of testing.

2. The desire of the world's people. On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, we urge you to recognize the desire of millions of citizens around the globe for their political military leaders to exhaust all diplomatic means at their disposal to resolve conflict, before considering military force.

3. The dangers to the environment. While the French government claims there is no scientific evidence of adverse effects to ecosystems, this is based on meager scientific data. Both the British and American governments avoid disposing of nuclear waste where it may come into contact with underground water because of the risk of contamination.

4. The needs of future generations. The cold war has ended. There is no longer justification for nuclear deterrents. The nations of the world are gradually putting their efforts into peaceful solutions to disagreements. We are working towards a comprhensive test ban treaty. There is much to be done to end poverty and restore the health of the planet. Further nuclear explosions waste the earth's resources, and are a step backwards in international relationships.

In common with Green Parties around the world we urge you to exercise enlightened leadership towards non-proliferation and link you name in history with a turning-point towards global peace.

Yours sincerely,

Hazen Waller, Convenor, Australian Greens
Jeanette Fitzsimons, Co-leader, The Greens Aotearoa
Rod Donald, Co-leader, the Greens Aotearoa



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