(Communicated by Environment Ministry Spokeswoman)
Jerusalem, 27 August 1995
Environment Minister Yossi Sarid has issued the following statement regarding France's declared intention of carrying out nuclear tests at Mururoa Atoll:
"As the Minister of the Environment of the State of Israel, standing together with my colleagues throughout the world, I would like to express my grave concern regarding the French government's intention to perform nuclear tests at Mururoa Atoll. Nuclear testing, even regulated, carries with it a danger of heavy radioactive pollution, which threatens the vicinity's environment and people. We are not at all convinced of the necessity of continuing the nuclear tests anywhere in the world.
If nuclear testing is undesirable per se, then nuclear testing carried out by one country in another part of the world is totally unacceptable. No one has the right to free oneself from the danger of serious pollution, by imposing that danger on others.
I call on the government of France to heed the appeals now being made throughout the world and take them into consideration: stop the planned nuclear testing! Such a decision would be heralded by all of humanity, and also greatly respected by the citizens of my country."