Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=5/28/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-290263

TITLE= PAK/MISSILE/INDIA (S)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Pakistan has carried out another ballistic missile test, despite

international calls for restraint. The rocket launch comes hours after

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw arrived in Islamabad in an effort

to defuse growing military tensions between India and Pakistan. Ayaz Gul

reports from the Pakistani capital.

TEXT: Officials in Pakistan say they have tested a newly developed

surface-to-surface missile called "Hatf-II" (also known as "Abdali"). An

official statement says the missile is capable of carrying warheads up

to 180-kilometers.

This was the third in a series of rocket launches Pakistan has carried out, amid a tense military crisis with neighboring India.

Saturday, Pakistan test-fired a medium range missile, which is

capable of carrying nuclear and conventional weapons.

Pakistani officials say the missile tests are not linked to the stand off

with India.

Tensions have dramatically increased between the countries over the

disputed region of Kashmir.

International efforts have intensified to move India and Pakistan away

from a possible conflict British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is in

Islamabad. He is discussing the crisis with Pakistani leaders.

President Pervez Musharraf said Monday Pakistan will not start war with

India, but will respond with full force if attacked. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/WD