France faces Algeria nuclear claims

[Al-khiyal]

Colonial nuclear experiences’ repercussions issue discussed at El-Aurassi today

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Séminaire international sur les essais nucléaires français au Sahara algérien

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Attendees of the International Conference on the Consequences of Nuclear Testing, which opened in Algiers on Tuesday (February 13th), demanded that the French government recognise its responsibility to clean up areas of Algeria polluted by nuclear testing between 1960 and 1966. Patrice Bouveret, director of the French Centre for Documentation and Research on Peace and Conflicts (CDRPC), said that the French parliament is currently considering six amendments relating to the effects of French nuclear testing.

France conducted 13 experiments in the area of In Ecker, 2 000 km south of Algiers. The project was terminated in 1967 following Algeria's independence, and the polluting materials were buried in the ground. Nevertheless, data presented at the seminar claim that open-air experiments contaminated an area of some 700 kilometres. The number of Algerians affected is still unclear, but it is believed that at least 18,000 civilians and military participated in the tests.

International experts gather in Algiers to discuss nuclear testing

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The Communist Party members of the French senate have presented a bill aimed at setting up a fund to compensate the victims of the French nuclear weapons tests in the Pacific and in Algeria.

The 23 senators propose to offer recompense for those exposed to radiation in the way help is being given to people suffering from ill-health because of exposure to asbestos.

They say many people, both civilians and military personnel, who were close to the test sites have suffered health problems, such a cancers.

The Communist politicians say the current system to lodge claims is complex and in recent years only about 20 cases have been settled to give a pension to those affected by the tests.

French Communist senators call for compensation for nuclear test victims

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French military veterans who witnessed nuclear tests in the Algerian Sahara in the 1960s have returned to the country to fight for compensation for the Tawareq bedouins who lived in the area.

The Tawareq tribe were exposed to radiation and asbestos at the sites where nuclear explosions took place between 1960 and 1966.

Seventeen tests were carried out in the 1960s on Algerian soil with bombs four times as powerful as those dropped on Japan during World War II.

Radioactive fallout reached areas 1,000km away and the French veterans say it remains active.

Michael Ferji, a blast witness, said: "My role is to increase the awareness of the public opinion and to hold those who conducted these tests … To admit their crimes and get the victims compensated."

Many of the bedouins are worried less about the long-term health risks to which they have been exposed and more about what could happen to their children. They feel recompense is long overdue.

One tribesman said: "The French government is being called upon not only to admit what they did, but to compensate us. We feel it is one of our rights."

One veterans' group is working with French senators calling for a fund to be made available to offer compensation.

There is continuing debate about how much environmental damage was done by the nuclear tests and who is responsible.

French officials say that many of the tests were carried out after Algeria gained independence in 1962.

But others say Algerians did not have a choice at the time.

Ferji said: "Sixty billion euros were spent on the nuclear tests in the Algerian desert.

"I think we should be able to allocate some smaller amount to the victims."

France faces Algeria nuclear claims

[Al-khiyal]

Vice President of French National Assembly: France must compensate nuclear explosions’ victims

[nesreen]

They tried so hard at pushing it under the carpet but the Algerians are stubborn and want to discuss it and want explanations too . Good