OneWorld.net (U.S.)

PARIS (IPS) - The decision by French President Jacques Chirac to withdraw the asbestos-contaminated aircraft carrier Clemenceau from dismantling in India ends an embarrassing journey for the ship, and for the French government.

Chirac announced Wednesday afternoon that "on the issue of dismantling ships, which poses questions on a global dimension related to protection of the environment, France must act in the most exemplary way."

Defence minister Michelle Alliot Marie said last week that France was dealing with the matter "in an exemplary way" - in sending the ship to the Indian scrap yard Alang for dismantling.

Chirac's decision came only hours after the French state council, the highest judicial authority, ordered suspension of the Clemenceau's journey to Alang. The council accepted the arguments of Greenpeace, the association of asbestos victims Andeva and other organisations.

The decision came after the Supreme Court of India passed an order earlier banning entry of the ship in Indian waters. "Finally an end for a most embarrassing story," the weekly L'Express commented.

Chirac is due to visit India next week.

SOURCE: IPS Terra Viva