Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE= 04/29/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PAKISTAN / INDIA / MISSILE / L-ONLY

NUMBER=2-289210

BYLINE=JIM TEEPLE

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Pakistan on Monday condemned India's successful test-firing of a supersonic cruise missile, and also criticized Russia for helping India develop the missile and carry out the test. V-O-A's Jim Teeple reports from Islamabad.

TEXT: India's test of the BrahMos missile that can fly at a height of 14 kilometers and travel at twice the speed of sound was strongly criticized by Foreign Ministry spokesman Aziz Khan.

/// KHAN ACT ///

The introduction of this new weapons system will aggravate the existing imbalance in the region and further encourage India in its hegemonic designs.

/// END ACT //

Mr. Khan also had sharp words for Russia which helped India develop the missile - saying Moscow's cooperation with New Delhi was in violation of international accords regulating the spread of missile technology.

/// OPT /// Pakistan has been accused of developing similar weapons technology with assistance from Chinese authorities - something Islamabad and Beijing deny. /// END OPT ///

Mr. Khan refused to say whether Pakistan will carry out a reciprocal missile test -- saying only that Islamabad reserves its right respond to any threats to its territory.

/// 2nd KHAN ACT ///

We will take all necessary steps to ensure strong defense capability to deter any aggressive designs against our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

/// END ACT ///

Tensions between South Asia's two nuclear neighbors have been high for months. In December India accused Pakistan of supporting two militant groups New Delhi says carried out a terrorist attack against the Indian parliament. A crackdown on Islamic militant groups based in Pakistan by Pakistan's President, General Pervez Musharraf eased the friction somewhat earlier this year.

The two countries have mobilized close to a million troops along their common border. Speaking Monday in Islamabad, Aziz Khan said tensions on the border remain high. (Signed)

NEB/JLT/FC