ACCESSION NUMBER:328610 FILE ID:TXT502 DATE:02/25/94 TITLE:SOUTH ASIA NON-PROLIFERATION REPORT (02/25/94) TEXT:*94022502.TXT SOUTH ASIA NON-PROLIFERATION REPORT (VOA Editorial) (420) (Following is an editorial, broadcast by the Voice of America February 25, reflecting the views of the U.S. government.) It is a priority of U.S. foreign policy to try to halt the spread of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as the ballistic missiles that can deliver them. One of the areas where proliferation is a concern is South Asia. The United States believes that both India and Pakistan could assemble a limited number of nuclear weapons in a short time, and both countries have combat aircraft that could be modified to deliver them. In addition, both countries are developing or seeking to acquire ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear or chemical weapons. 1n a recent report to the U.S. Congress, President Bill Clinton said the United States continues its efforts to stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction in areas of tension such as South Asia. These efforts are intended to promote regional security through confidence-building measures and arms control. As the United States and the former Soviet Union learned, reducing tensions can be just as effective in building security as improving military capabilities. The United States is convinced that nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles would ultimately undermine the ability of India and Pakistan to meet their security requirements. As President Clinton stressed, "the short-run military advantage of such weapons should not blind India and Pakistan to the possible cost in long-term security." Each state's nuclear weapons program encourages the other to retain its ability to deploy nuclear weapons. The same is true in regard to ballistic missiles. In August 1993, the United States imposed sanctions on Pakistani and Chinese government entities. This action followed a determination that in late 1992 China had transferred items controlled under the international Missile Technology Control Regime to Pakistan. In 1992, the United States imposed sanctions against the Indian Space Research Organization after finding that it had contracted with a Russian entity for the transfer of rocket engine technology. The United States is also working for non-proliferation in South Asia by holding talks with both India and Pakistan, as well as by encouraging the two countries to continue high-level talks with each other. In addition to proliferation, such talks should address the underlying issues that divide India and Pakistan, especially the unresolved dispute over Kashmir. The United States believes that a new dialogue can play an important role in reducing tensions in South Asia. NNNN .
