Chirac Raps N-Test Critics He Says Australia, New Zealand Want France Out Of South Pacific

Vowing to continue French nuclear testing, President Jacques Chirac accused Australia and New Zealand on Sunday of exploiting anti-nuclear protests in an attempt to drive France out of the South Pacific.

Saying both countries failed to match France’s contribution to the “miserable nations” of the region, Chirac threatened to retaliate if Australia launches a boycott of French goods.

“In reality, what they want is for France to leave the Pacific,” Chirac said on French television.

“Voila, what the Australians and New Zealanders cannot accept - that we are there.”

The French military seized a yacht Saturday carrying eight legislators from Australia, Japan and Europe, claiming it strayed too close to the Mururoa Atoll nuclear test site about 3,200 miles southeast of Hawaii.

The legislators, detained on Mururoa, are expected to be transferred to Papeete within 48 hours, when French authorities are to announce whether further action will be taken against them.

Foreign Minister Don McKinnon of New Zealand denied that his government wants France out of the South Pacific, but reiterated its opposition to nuclear testing there.