French defend shipments of nuclear waste in Pacific

A French MP yesterday defended the shipping of nuclear waste through the Pacific, saying his country was vigilant about safety standards.

Philippe Vitel, who headed the French delegation that took part in a post-South Pacific Forum dialogue in Auckland, said the shipments crossed French maritime zones.

Mr Vitel, who is also chairman of the France-New Zealand Friendship Group, said oil spills on the French mainland coast had made his country particularly aware of maritime safety.

"In the event of an accident, our Pacific territories would naturally suffer the same indirect consequences as the other countries in the region.

"We cannot tolerate, therefore, that these issues are taken lightly."

France and Britain have been shipping mixed oxide plutonium (MOX) to Japan for processing, while brushing aside objections among Pacific states.

Mr Vitel said shipments complied with standards set out by the International Atomic Energy Agency and International Maritime Organisation.

"No accident involving the transport of nuclear or radioactive materials has occurred to date."

The forum's final communique on Saturday said the 16 leaders reiterated their concerns about the shipments.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff, who chaired the post-forum dialogue with France, said France's active participation in the Pacific, where it was a big aid donor, was welcome.

Mr Goff believed the overall relationship between the forum and France was the best it had been. But, as with other dialogue partners, there were areas of disagreement.

"The question of radioactive materials is an issue we have taken up with France, as we have with the United Kingdom and Japan."

- NZPA