France to compensate nuclear test victims

The French government offered for the first time yesterday to compensate people who suffered health problems as a result of nuclear tests in Algeria and the South Pacific decades ago.

"It's time for our country to be at peace with itself, at peace thanks to a system of compensation and reparations," French Defense Minister Herve Morin said in presenting a draft law on the payouts.

The government will set aside some 10 million euros ($13.5 million) for the compensation, he said.