2 September 1999

Green MP's anti-nuclear fuel motion passed unanimously

Parliament today unanimously approved Green MP Jeanette Fitzsimons' motion opposing regular shiploads of highly radioactive nuclear fuel passing through the South Pacific.

Two ships carrying over 446 kilograms of nuclear fuel are crossing the Tasman this week en route to Japan from Europe. If the trip is deemed successful, 80 more such shipments are expected over the next 10 years.

Green Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said Labour and National rose to associate themselves with the motion as did ACT which had opposed a similar motion two years ago.

"The next step will be for New Zealand to lead a strong push at the South Pacific Forum next month to stop the plutonium shipments travelling through our fisheries and exclusive economic zone.

"The resolution commits the New Zealand Government to raising the issue at the forum and to actively pursuing the Governments of Japan, France and the United Kingdom to enter into negotiations with potentially affected countries to establish an effective system of prior notification and a comprehensive liability and compensation regime to cover shipments of highly radioactive material."

ENDS

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