Vanuatu, a mediator between

France and the Pacific?

Is Vanuatu a mediator to maintain dialogue between France and Pacific Island countries on the nuclear issue?

The Vanuatu prime minister, in an interview on the steps on the Elysee Palace (French State House) after talks and lunch with President Chirac, announced further French aid to Pacific Island states.

PIM: Mr Carlot, on the nuclear issue, do you see yourself as a mediator between the other Pacific island countries and France?

Maxime Carlot: I’m willing to be a mediator when the oppor tunity comes up, but I’m also the prime minister of Vanuatu. You know there is a solidarity between Pacific countries, and, in fact, all countries in the world, regarding environment. For the sur vival of the human race, it is important that we preserve this envi ronment. We’re very happy and satisfied to see that France has committed itself on this issue for the people of the South Pacific.

PIM; Practically, what are these commitments?

Carlot: Practically, France has committed itself that after the tests, it will be responsible for the effects, the consequences. If there are leaks, pollution, France will take part; it will help South Pacific countries to wash out radioactivity (...) France is a big country. When it says it commits itself, I believe it.

P.I.M: Did you talk a lot on the nuclear issue with President Chirac?

Carlot: We have discussed the nuclear issue not only in the Pacific, but also in the world - in France, in Russia, there is nuclear too.

PIM: You have been awarded the prestigious Legion d’Honneur, in order of Grand Officer. What does it mean to you?

Carlot: You know, the president of the French Republic is a long-time politician and a long-time friend. I have come to con gratulate him as the elected president of the French Republic, it pleases me to see that a friend has been elected. I was very moved

and shocked by this distinction (I received). I carry it with pride for the Republic of Vanuatu as something not coming from a friend, but from the French president. I see it as a recognition ot the leadership of a South Pacific country.

PIM: In terms of French language, how do you see Vanuatu’s role in the region?

Carlot: The French president knows Vanuatu is a bilingual country, it uses French and English languages officially and equally. We have inherited the French language, its culture; it has become our property. (...) I am French-speaking, but I am also bilingual. My task is to promote these two languages as the stan dard.

PIM: Does France have a part to play in the Pacific region?

Carlot: I think France has been playing an important part in the Pacific for a long time. I’m very pleased to hear France say, through M Chirac, that developed countries have an obligation towards developing countries. I think all developed countries have a duty, a responsibility to take part in the growth of devel oping countries, of which Vanuatu and Pacific Island countries are part.

PIM: French President Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister Alain Juppe both told you they intended to increase French aid to Vanuatu. Practically, what does it mean?

Carlot: Practically, it means 1996 : France will increase its aid to Pacific countries, including Vanuatu. It’s good news for Vanuatu, and it’s also good news for all South Pacific indepen dent countries.

PIM: Do you have a figure?

Carlot: No, you’re asking for a detail I cannot provide as yet.

All I know is that France will increase its aid. It’s now up to Pacific countries to be aware of this and to plan in order to work with France. ■