Member of Baku Initiative Group calls for ending French colonialism

France has not yet begun a genuine process of material, environmental and social compensation for all the damage caused by almost 200 nuclear tests from 1966-1974, Ella Tokoragi, a member of the board of the Baku Initiative Group against French Colonialism under the coordination bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement, said in her speech with a petition at the UN, Report informs.

Tokoragi noted that this position of France reflects its continuation of colonial policy, and disrespect from the governing authorities for 10 years after the decision to decolonize was made.

"But we will most likely forgive them when France begins the process of justice and reparations," she said.

"We want to reiterate our call for France to take a fair stand and take responsibility in an honest dialogue about the future of our country," she added.

"My homeland is an ancient island community in the South Pacific. It has been designated as a non-autonomous territory since May 17, 2013, thanks to 45 years of peaceful activity led by our founding father, Oscar Temaru," the Ma'ohi Nui Nation spokeswoman said.

According to her, President Macron himself called colonial policy a crime against humanity during the election campaign. “Of course it is,” she said.