Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=5/28/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-290279

TITLE= PAK MISSILE / INDIA (L)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

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"). A

government statement says the missile is capable of carrying warheads up to

180-kilometers.

This was the third and last in a series of rocket launches Pakistan has

carried out in recent days, amid a tense military crisis with neighboring India.

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

of carrying both nuclear and conventional weapons up to a range of

1500-kilometers.

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. Both India and Pakistan have stationed nearly a

million troops along their border. Fears have risen that another

strike by Muslim militants in Indian Kashmir could push India and

Pakistan into another war.

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is in the region as part of intense

international efforts to avert a new conflict. He met President Pervez

Musharraf to discuss the crisis before heading to India for similar talks.

Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Mr. Straw urged both countries to de-escalate tensions and settle their long-running dispute over Kashmir through talks.

//STRAW ACT//

One thing that the whole international community is clear about is that

there can be no resolution of the Kashmir dispute by war, by terrorism, by

violent conflict. It can only be resolved by a process of negotiations, but

negotiations can only take place in an environment that facilitates that.

//END ACT//

The British Foreign Secretary said that terror attacks carried out across the

Line of Control dividing Kashmir must end.

Pakistani President Musharraf promised in a national speech on Monday that

Pakistani territory will not be used for cross-border terrorism. He also said that there is no infiltration going on in Kashmir.

The divided region of Kashmir has caused two wars between India and

Pakistan. New Delhi accuses Islamabad of supporting Muslim militant who carry out cross border attacks against Indian facilities. (signed)

NEB/AG/KBK