Press Release from the Greenpeace New Zealand Office:

GREENPEACE HAILS NEW ZEALAND DECISION TO TAKE FRANCE TO THE WORLD COURT OVER NUCLEAR TESTING

AUCKLAND 8 August -- Greenpeace today welcomed the decision by the New Zealand government to ask the International Court of Justice to stop the proposed French nuclear testing at Moruroa atoll. The government will ask the court to revisit the case New Zealand started in 1973 against French atmospheric testing.

"This is an historic decision", said Greenpeace International lawyer, Duncan Currie. "New Zealand has taken the lead to hold France accountable under international law. We are now calling on other nations to join New Zealand in the case. This is a real chance to stop nuclear testing forever."

"This is a strong and principled decision by the New Zealand government. It reflects the depth of feeling and consensus throughout New Zealand amongst the public and the political parties. This is a tribute to all New Zealanders, activists, protestors and governments around the world who have worked to stop nuclear testing globallly", said Stephanie Mills from Fiji.

"There is now an excellent chance to stop nuclear testing. Diplomatic, legal and protest initiatives have come together. It is time for President Chirac to accept that the world will not accept renewed nuclear testing."

Greenpeace called upon France to refrain from nuclear testing pending the decision by the Court. "It would be an outrage and a travesty if France were to detonate a nuclear device while the issue is before the Court," said Mr Currie.

Release ends