The National Assembly approved a bill Thursday that provides care and compensation for the people who were exposed to radiation during French nuclear tests from 1960 to 1996.

The measure, approved by a 300-23 margin, calls for the establishment of a review commission and fund dedicated to veterans and civil personnel who worked on the 210 nuclear test blasts France conducted in French Polynesia and the Algerian Sahara.

About 150,000 civilian and military personnel, many of whom developed serious health problems, took part in the nuclear tests.

French veterans called the vote a "big step" for the government to recognize its responsibility.

The legislation was expected to easily pass through the Senate. Defense Minister Herve Morin said in May when he unveiled the bill that he expected it to take effect by the end of the year.

Source: Xinhua