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
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