France stops nuclear test programme – archive, 1996 | France
At the end of a six-month period in which France has suffered trade boycotts and been vilified by much of the world, Mr Chirac said: âToday I feel I have accomplished one of the prime callings of my office by giving France, for decades to come, the means to secure her safety and independence.â The announcement by Mr Chirac, whose popularity has fallen to an all-time low for a new president, was made in the 50th anniversary year of the bombing of Hiroshima. Referring to negotiations which are under way in Geneva over the terms of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, he said: âFran...
Source: theguardian.com