Algeria launches new cleanup of former French nuclear test site

Baku, November 2, AZERTACAlgeria launched a second operation Sunday to remove radioactive waste from a former French nuclear test site in the Sahara Desert, its Defense Ministry said, accusing Paris of withholding information needed for the cleanup. According to Anadolu Agency, the operation is taking place at the "Beryl E2" test tunnel site in the In Ekker area of the southern province of Tamanrasset. Algerian teams are carrying out the work under Defense Ministry supervision in coordination with the national agency responsible for rehabilitating former French nuclear test sites, according to a ministry statement.

The cleanup involves identifying radioactive areas, collecting nuclear waste and storing it in specially designated concrete containers. The ministry said the work would follow national and international safety standards. It accused France of evading its responsibilities and refusing to provide records and maps showing where nuclear waste was buried. The ministry said the remaining contamination continued to hinder development in In Ekker and Reggane, in the southwestern province of Adrar. Algeria began its first partial cleanup operation on Feb. 14 at Taourirt Tan Affella in the In Ekker area, according to the Algerian Press Service. France conducted its first nuclear…