PRESS RELEASE

Centre for European Security and Disarmament

13 May 1998

Indian Tests and US Sanctions Condemned

The Centre for European Security and Disarmament (CESD) condemns the two nuclear tests carried out this morning by India. These new tests will ratchet up the pressure in South Asia still further, and make a move to testing by Pakistan much more likely. "India has acted irresponsibly, what they have done is inexcusable. These tests highlight the urgency with which non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament must be pursued," said Martin Butcher, Director of CESD.

However, the US reaction in imposing immediate sanctions must also be condemned as utterly counter-productive. In a poll published in the Times of India over 90% of the Indian population approved the tests. The BJP-led government is a nationalist coalition, they will thrive on outside pressure - especially by the world ‘s largest nuclear power. US sanctions, helped by Japan’s aid cut-off, will force India into a corner and are likely to make them more, not less defiant of world opinion. The European Union must not follow suit, but should remain engaged with India to help them away from this position of international isolation. The EU must also block any move by the US to cut off World Bank or IMF assistance to India.

The five acknowledged nuclear powers, the US, Russia, the UK, France and China have been very complacent. They have arrogantly assumed that the world would allow them to ignore their obligation under Article VI the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to pursue nuclear disarmament ‘in good faith’. They have refused to make more than token gestures towards disarmament, while pouring enormous energy and effort into preventing other countries from acquiring nuclear weapons. This policy has failed. A test, or tests, by Pakistan would serve only to underline that failure. "The global community’s non-proliferation strategy is in ruins, only immediate and urgent pursuit of complete nuclear disarmament can prevent a nuclear free-for-all," said Sharon Riggle, CESD’s Programme Director.

Citizen organisations and governments alike are calling upon India to halt these actions immediately and to sign and ratify the CTBT. Talks should likewise begin in the stalled Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, where there have been numerous proposals for negotiations on nuclear disarmament. A summit is needed as well to address the serious security concerns of countries in South Asia, which could constructively contribute to reaching a solution for all parties involved. Heads of state should encourage a real dialogue on these concerns and refrain from counterproductive unilateral activities such as sanctions.

For more information, please contact:
Martin Butcher or Sharon Riggle in Brussels
Tel: +32-2- 230.07.32, or 675.26.17, 242.90.58,
Fax: +32-2-230.24.67

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