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America disappointed, no word of sanctions as yet

The Clinton administration today expressed ''deep disappointment'' at India's three nuclear tests, and said the United States would raise its concerns directly with the Vajpayee government on this ''regrettable turn of events.''

White House spokesman Mike McCurry, who gave the first reaction of the US government on the issue, said Washington would also contact Pakistan to urge restraint in the subcontinent.

He, however, was not in a position at this stage to say as to what impact this development would have on President Clinton's impending visit to India. The American president is scheduled to visit New Delhi in November.

In reply to a question on the president's visit, McCurry said, ''It is impossible to tell what the impact is on the trip at this point.'' He, however, made it clear that he did not mean to imply that President Clinton might drop his stop in New Delhi during his South Asia tour.

Some media reports have quoted some unknown State Department officials having said that the US might impose proliferation-related sanctions against India. But, the department has not said anything officially on India's test so far and its reaction is still awaited.

Earlier, McCurry said, ''The US is deeply disappointed by the decision of the Government of India to conduct three nuclear tests. This runs counter to the effort the international community is making to promulgate a comprehensive ban on such testing.''

''The United States intends to address its concern directly to New Delhi. We will continue to spare no effort in encouraging countries to both promulgate and ratify the comprehensive test ban. If any thing, these tests underscore the importance of that regime,'' he added.

UNI

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