From: SV Rainbow Warrior http://www.greenpeace.org
Date: Received Friday 18th AUG 95

GREENPEACE CALLS FOR EUROPEAN PROTEST FLOTILLA TO PARIS

Wiesbaden/Frankfurt--18 August 1995--Greenpeace today launched an appeal for a "European Peace Fleet" to join its ships BELUGA and SIRIUS to sail to Paris to protest French President Jacques Chirac's insistence on nuclear testing at Moruroa.

At a press conference on the Beluga in German town Wiesbaden today, Greenpeace's Susanne Commerell said the fleet would deliver a strong anti-nuclear message to Chirac, in the form of hundreds of thousands of signatures on petitions gathered from around Europe.

"There are so many boat owners around Europe who want to protest the threat to the marine environment posed by French nuclear testing. There is already a peace flotilla in the South Pacific -- but not in Chirac's back yard. We are calling on boat owners to bring their vessels to the Seine on 1 September to make sure Chirac gets the message -- the world does not want nuclear testing," said Commerell.

On its way to Paris, the Beluga will travel through Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and France to gather support for the protest. The Sirius will go to the south coast of England to garner similar support.

Greenpeace had been contacted by many boat owners who wanted to join the Moruroa flotilla in the South Pacific, but could not afford to go. Three Greenpeace boats, the Rainbow Warrior, the MV Greenpeace and the Manutea will be part of that flotilla. However, there were now no berths left on most of the boats going to Moruroa. "Now the people of Europe have the chance to take part in the protest," said Commerell.

Also at the press conference today, the Mayors of Wiesbaden (1) - Achim Exner and its "twin town" in France, Fondettes (2) - Pierre Vacher signed the Greenpeace petition and made statements in support of Greenpeace's protests. "Greenpeace is also encouraging all other towns around Europe who are twinned with a French town to join with their twin to make a unified call against nuclear testing. More than 60% of French people disagree with their President's policies -- this is a chance for them to take action," said Commerell.

For information: Ingo Bokermann Greenpeace Germany 49 40 31186430

Cindy Baxter Greenpeace Communications 44 171 833 0600.

Flotilla contacts: Germany Tina Haardt 49 40 31186 153

For UK Flotilla contact Flotilla coordinator on ++44 171 354 5100:

Note: Greenpeace can offer no financial support to any boats joining this flotilla, and can accept no responsibility for the safety of the fleet.

(1) Wiesbaden is on the Rhine River, near Frankfurt.

(2) Fondettes is just outside Tours, in the Loire Valley.