DATE=5/25/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAK / NUCLEAR (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262811
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Pakistan has once again denied reports it is
preparing for another round of nuclear tests. But the
country's military leader, General Pervez Musharraf,
warns that policy could change if India carries out
any further nuclear tests. V-O-A's Scott Anger
reports from Islamabad.
TEXT: Despite reports of increased activity recently
around Pakistan's nuclear-test sites, the country's
military leader, General Musharraf, says no tests are
scheduled. However, he says Pakistan's plans could
change if arch-rival India explodes any nuclear
devices.
/// MUSHARRAF ACT ///
We have made it very clear that if India does
it, we should not be stopped: the onus will be
on them to have initiated another series of
blasts. We are not at all preparing. We don't
want to carry out any nuclear tests at all.
/// END ACT ///
Intelligence reports circulating in Washington earlier
this week indicated that both India and Pakistan might
be preparing to carry out another round of nuclear
tests. However, the State Department says both
countries have reassured U-S representatives that they
have no such plans, and Pentagon officials say they do
not believe any tests are imminent.
Pakistan carried out a series of nuclear tests two
years ago, after neighboring India conducted tests of
its own. Those tests raised fears that another war
between Pakistan and India could be fought with
nuclear weapons.
The two countries' dispute over the Himalayan region
of Kashmir has led to two wars, and remains a major
source of military tensions. India accuses Pakistan
of supporting an armed Muslim rebellion in the two-
thirds of Kashmir that New Delhi controls. Pakistan
denies the charge and says it only provides moral,
political and diplomatic support to what it calls
"freedom fighters" in Kashmir.
General Musharraf says the security situation in South
Asia is less secure than it has been in the past, but
he is confident India and Pakistan will refrain from
using nuclear weapons in the future.
/// 2ND MUSHARRAF ACT ///
I'm sure Pakistan and India, both, are
responsible enough to understand implications of
nuclear power and are responsible enough to
avoid any such confrontation, which can lead to
even the remotest possibility of use of nuclear
weapons.
/// END ACT ///
Tensions over Kashmir brought Pakistan and India to
the brink of war last year, reviving international
fears about the possible use of nuclear weapons.
(Signed)
NEB/SA/WTW
25-May-2000 13:12 PM EDT (25-May-2000 1712 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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