PRESS RELEASE

28 May 1998

Pakistan Tests Follow India Down Same Dangerous Path

BRUSSELS — It has been reported that earlier today Pakistan has conducted nuclear tests. These were conducted in southwestern Baluchistan. There now have been a total of three tests reported. CESD, along with governments and citizens around the world, condemn the move by Pakistan and see it as seriously contributing to tension in the region.

‘These tests are moving the region ever closer to a deadly arms race. There can be no positive end to this situation other than an immediate halt in activities by both sides, and legally-bound commitments to adhere to global non-proliferation and testing regimes,’ said Sharon Riggle, CESD Programme Director. While in response to the provocative tests of India two weeks ago, there can be no justification for adding to world insecurity by attempting to create more nuclear weapon states.

‘This situation underscores yet again the need for real progress in the field of nuclear disarmament. What we see today is in part the result of the infinitesimal steps taken by the nuclear powers to fulfil their legal commitments to disarm under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The frustration is high but can be alleviated by concrete moves by the nuclear five,’ stated Martin Butcher, Director of CESD.

CESD calls upon Pakistan and India to halt these actions immediately and to sign and ratify the CTBT and NPT. A regional summit is long overdue and should be immediately convened to address the serious security concerns of countries in South Asia. Talks on comprehensive and global nuclear disarmament should likewise begin immediately in the stalled Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, where there have been numerous proposals for negotiations on nuclear disarmament. Heads of state should encourage a real dialogue on these concerns and refrain from counterproductive unilateral activities such as sanctions.

Formore information, please contact:
Martin Butcher (at the NATO meeting – Luxembourg) or
Sharon Riggle (in Brussels) +32-2-230.07.32

CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DISARMAMENT (CESD)
RUE STEVIN 115, 1000 BRUXELLES.
Tel: + 322 230 0732. Fax: + 322 230 2467

Back to India and Pakistan Conduct Nuclear Tests