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DATE=8/17/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S / INDIA (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-252884
BYLINE=KYLE KING
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  The United States says it will continue to 
push India to renounce nuclear weapons and is seeking 
clarifications of the nuclear weapons policy released 
by the Indian government.  From the State Department, 
V-O-A's Kyle King reports.
TEXT:  U-S officials say they have not yet had an 
opportunity to review the draft nuclear policy 
doctrine released in New Delhi on Tuesday.
According to the draft, India would only use its 
nuclear weapons in retaliation for a nuclear attack. 
The no-first use policy draft does not say how many 
nuclear weapons India will stockpile, or their size or 
strength. The draft says those issues will be decided 
in light of India's strategic needs.
U-S officials say they were aware India was working on 
the document, and hope to discuss the issue during 
high level talks in the coming weeks.
State Department spokesman James Rubin says the United 
States continues to oppose the proliferation of 
nuclear weapons in both India and Pakistan. 
            // Rubin Act //
      And we have taken the position that nuclear 
      weapons do not contribute to greater security in 
      South Asia.  We have been urging the signature 
      on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and we will 
      continue efforts to de-nuclearize the sub-
      continent. And we will continue to make the case 
      to both India and Pakistan that possession of 
      nuclear weapons in this form or similar forms 
      does not enhance their security.  Clearly they 
      are moving in the wrong direction by trying to 
      create such a capability.
            // End Act //
Late last week, President Clinton sent letters to the 
leaders of India and Pakistan urging restraint by the 
two nuclear rivals and warning of the dangers of a 
nuclear arms race in the region.
Both India and Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in 
1998, and earlier this year both countries tested mid-
range ballistic missiles believed to be capable of 
carrying nuclear weapons.
Recent tensions between the two nations have 
heightened concerns about the dangers of a nuclear 
arms race in the volatile region. (SIGNED)
NEB/KBK/TVM/JO
17-Aug-1999 17:52 PM EDT (17-Aug-1999 2152 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.