DATE=8/12/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAK - INDIA (L)
NUMBER=2-252724
BYLINE=AYAZ GUL
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is
denouncing India for shooting down a Pakistani
naval aircraft, condemning the attack as a
"barbaric act." Mr. Sharif says the incident
will make peace talks between the two nations
more difficult. Ayaz Gul reports from Islamabad,
the incident has re-ignited military tensions
between the world's newest nuclear powers.
TEXT: The Pakistani Prime Minister was speaking
at a naval base in Karachi, after offering
funeral prayers for the 16 naval personnel who
died in Tuesday's attack.
/// SHARIF ACT ///
It's a barbaric act and [the] Indians have
gunned down a plane which had no
capability of doing any thing in self-
defense. It did not violate the Indian
air space. I think it is an act which is
also very cowardly.
///END ACT///
India says its jets shot down the Pakistani anti-
submarine plane when it strayed into Indian air
space and refused repeated warnings to identify
itself.
Prime Minister Sharif says India's shooting down
of the Pakistani plane has further complicated
efforts to improve relations between the two
countries. He says the incident is a very
serious violation of international laws.
Mr. Sharif warns that his country will do
everything necessary to safeguard its sovereignty
and national interests. Pakistan already has put
its forces on high alert and fired a missile at
Indian fighter aircraft flying along the border
Wednesday; the attack caused no damage.
Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities have flown
diplomats to the crash site to prove their
contention that the naval plane never strayed
into Indian airspace.
Just weeks ago, India and Pakistan nearly went to
war over the disputed Kashmir region. The
international community is expressing concern
about increasing tensions between India and
Pakistan since both rival countries conducted
nuclear tests last year. (Signed)
NEB/AG/WTW
12-Aug-1999 10:20 AM EDT (12-Aug-1999 1420 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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