A French Polynesian opposition party says the French Senate bill seeking the restitution of the Moruroa and Fangataufa nuclear weapons test sites is a political stunt masterminded by the mentor of Tahiti's pro-independence leaders.
The Tahoeraa Huiraatira says the bill, which was approved by the Senate in Paris two weeks ago, is a move instigated by the Socialists to weaken the President Nicolas Sarkozy before the election with an anti-nuclear cause.
The Tahoeraa says the bill, which was tabled by a pro-independence senator from Tahiti, omits to say that two atolls have never been inhabited and can never again be lived on because of the risk of collapse and risks of radiation.
The Tahoeraa says the proponents of the bill insist that all decisions be made before the election.
It suggests France be allowed to keep a watch on the atolls as it has the means to monitor irradiated sites and could assume full responsibility in case of a disaster.
