Algeria Calls for Obligating France to Disclose Complete Archives of Nuclear Tests in the South
On the sidelines of the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held in Vienna, Austria, Algeria hosted a parallel event focused on addressing the adverse effects of French nuclear explosions and tests conducted in southern Algeria, with particular emphasis on their impact on public health and the environment, the Algerian Ministry of Energy and Mines said in a statement on Saturday.
This meeting was led by Algerian experts and specialists, in the presence of representatives from the diplomatic mission accredited in Vienna, members of the delegations participating in the General Conference, as well as experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
During the discussions, the speakers presented the efforts made by the Algerian government to mitigate the damage caused by these tests and explosions, through practical measures in protection, security, prevention, and awareness. These efforts “aim to address this complex situation and support the path toward sustainable development in the affected areas, which are experiencing increasing dynamism in economic development,” the statement said.
It was also emphasized that Algeria remains committed to continuing to take the necessary measures to ensure a better future for coming generations and to effectively respond to the needs of the population, especially in health and environmental aspects, while underscoring the imperative for France to assume its historical, ethical, and legal responsibilities, the source added.
In this context, a call was made to require France to disclose the complete archives related to the nuclear explosions and tests in southern Algeria, including detailed maps of all sites where radioactive waste, equipment, and contaminated materials are buried, according to the statement.
During the event, a documentary film was also presented that highlighted the current state of the old nuclear sites in southern Algeria, illustrating their catastrophic impact on both health and the environment. The film was supported by testimonies from experts and scientists who affirmed France’s responsibility in managing the remediation and rehabilitation of these sites.
