France Offers To Take Back Asbestos -- MesoLink.org -- 02-09-06

French officials have responded to protests about asbestos aboard a French vessel by stating that the country will take back some of the asbestos on board the ship. The vessel has been at the center of controversy as it is headed to India for dismantling, where groups such as Greenpeace have stated that workers will be put in danger due to the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers.

Protests over the asbestos waste being dumped in India has resulted in the country offering to take back some of the asbestos waste on board the Celemenceau. Activists actually boarded the vessel recently as part of the protest, claiming that there were 500 tons of asbestos aboard as well as other toxic substances.

The ship has been barred from entering territorial waters in India until the ‘ok’ has been given by experts. It is thought that a report will be made available around February 13th with regards to the level of waste on board the vessel. French officials have claimed that moat of the asbestos had already been removed beforehand.

The vessel was finally allowed to enter the Suez Canal last week after Egyptian officials delayed its passing through until an inspection had been carried out.