France calls back toxic warship

PARIS, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- An asbestos-laden decommissioned French warship heading to India to be scrapped has been drawn back to French waters by President Jacques Chirac.

The move comes after a high court ruling siding with environmentalists and labor groups that the ship may be harmful to those working on taking it apart.

The BBC reports the aircraft carrier Clemenceau was refused entry into Indian waters after Greenpeace and anti-asbestos groups successfully lobbied Indian officials.

It won't be allowed to the waters or into an Indian shipping yard until more questions are answered.

French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said a French company claims it stripped 30 tons more asbestos from the ship than what was taken to a deposit site.

A Paris administrative court will now make a ruling on the case.