Fiji, Oct. 29 -- Fiji Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has called on countries responsible for past nuclear testing in the Pacific to contribute financially towards the welfare of affected veterans and communities.

He also urged Pacific nations to stand united against future nuclear testing, saying the region must not be used as a testing ground by nuclear-armed countries.

"The Pacific must come here and say no, stop; if it's safe enough, they should test it in their doorstep," he said.

Tikoduadua made the remarks at the Pacific Regional Dialogue on the Implementation of Articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which began at the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre in Lami T...