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Pak tests highlight failure of Clinton's nonproliferation policy: US Congressman

Democratic Congressman Frank Pallone says the Pakistani nuclear tests demonstrated the failure of the United States's current nonproliferation policy.

Expressing ''serious concern'' over China's role in developing Pakistan's nuclear programme, he stressed the need for the US and the international community to develop new approaches to ensure stability in South Asia.

Citing reports that China was aware of the Pakistani tests in advance, Pallone said the ongoing pattern of military co-operation and technology transfers between the two countries had contributed significantly to the destabilisation of the South Asian region.

Pallone also said Pakistan's announcement that it was prepared to load nuclear warheads on the Ghauri missile, which had a range sufficient to reach all of India's major population centres, added a dangerous new element to the regional arms race.

Though one of India's staunchest supporters in the Congress, the Democrat had made it clear that he did not favour India's recent nuclear tests. However, he said that actions by China and Pakistan over the past few years -- most recently, Pakistan's test-firing of the Ghauri missile -- had put India in a vulnerable position.

''I am encouraged by the strong statement of condemnation of the Pakistani tests from President Clinton and other administration officials,'' he said, ''Given the strong rebuke of India and the immediate imposition of very strict sanctions, there is every reason to expect that Pakistan will be subject to exactly the same treatment. The US must be even-handed.''

''Unfortunately," he continued, "the back-to-back tests by Pakistan and India reveal the limitations of the US and the international strategy for nuclear non-proliferation. Our challenge now is to pursue dialogue and to find new approaches to persuade India and Pakistan to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty."

''As an interim measure, we should try to get both the nations's support for declaring a moratorium on fissile material, as well as other steps to build confidence and reduce tensions,'' he added.

He said he was encouraged that the White House had not made a hasty decision about cancelling President Bill Clinton's trip to the region later this year.

"Now, more than ever, we need dialogue and engagement,'' Pallone said.

He strongly urged the president that during his visit to China next month he should make it clear to the Communist leadership that the US regarded Beijing's involvement with Pakistan was a serious threat to peace and regional stability.

UNI

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