temaru calls for global nuclear vets to unite
NEWS
Nuclear compensation payments "may be" coming up as a topic of discussion when French Polynesia president Oscar Temaru meets with his New Zealand counterpart Helen Clark today.
Temaru says his delegation's main focus is trade.
He agrees nuclear compensation payments are beginning to emerge as an issue around the world for former nuclear testers in the region, France, the United States and the United Kingdom.
He also agrees the matter should eventually be taken up further with an independent authority like the United Nations.
First priority among nuclear test veterans around the world - civil and military - should be uniting into some kind of global organisation to present a united front.
Such a priority would mean difficult choices for nuclear powers and their allies including New Zealand.
Aotearoa was the voice of the Pacific when nuclear testing became a hot political issue during the 70's.
Anti-nuclear sentiment remains strong with an opposition party forced to deny it would overturn anti-nuclear laws if it became government.
New Zealand has an impressive anti-nuclear record, passing the world's first such legislation, successfully pushing for a nuclear-free zone across the Pacific, taking on France and losing admirably after the Rainbow Warrior bombing. Most memorably; sending a frigate to protest nuclear testing at Moruroa in 1973.
One blot remains.
Nuclear test veterans allege the New Zealand government has been no different from nuclear powers avoiding full disclosure over effects on servicemen exposed to British tests from 1957 on Christmas and Malden islands.
Last year, Prime Minister Clarke responded to these long term criticisms by seeking cabinet authorisation for a NZ$100,000 payment to the New Zealand Test Veterans Association to look into the link between test exposure and illnesses among fifties servicemen.
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posted by Avaiki Nius at 12:34 PM
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