Macron: France owes 'debt' to Polynesians over nuclear tests
ABC News
President Emmanuel Macron has reasserted France’s presence in the Pacific on a visit to French Polynesia aimed in part at countering growing Chinese dominance in the region
PAPEETE, French Polynesia -- President Emmanuel Macron reasserted France’s presence in the Pacific on a visit to French Polynesia aimed in part at countering growing Chinese dominance in the region. The trip was also designed to underline the government's support for Polynesians, and heal wounds over nuclear testing on the atolls of the former colony, half a world a way from Paris. Macron stopped short of apologizing Tuesday, but acknowledged France's “debt” to Polynesians over the underground and atmospheric tests, which ran from 1966-1996. He promised money for cyclone shelters to help the island territory cope with climate change, and more help in fighting the virus in a region where most islands have no airport, and reaching emergency services can be a question of hours, or even days.More Related News