NEWS RELEASES
CANADA REGRETS PAKISTAN'S INTENTION TO TEST MISSILES
May 24, 2002 (4:10 p.m. EDT) No. 57
CANADA REGRETS PAKISTAN'S INTENTION TO TEST MISSILES
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bill Graham today expressed regret over Pakistan's announcement of its intention to test
several short- and medium-range ballistic missiles and called on all parties in the region to exercise restraint.
"Canada deeply regrets that Pakistan has chosen to test ballistic missiles, particularly at this sensitive time," said Minister
Graham. "These tests will only heighten regional tensions and detract from constructive efforts to find a peaceful solution
to the situation."
The Pakistani medium-range Ghauri missile has a reported range of 1,300 kilometres and is capable of carrying a nuclear
warhead.
"Canada remains very concerned about nuclear proliferation in South Asia, which we regard as a threat to both regional and
international security," added Mr. Graham. "We urge Pakistan to abide by United Nations Security Council Resolution
1172 and cease development of ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons."
Resolution 1172, which was approved unanimously on June 6, 1998, was adopted in response to nuclear tests conducted by
India and Pakistan in May of the same year. Among other measures, the Resolution specifically called on India and
Pakistan to stop their nuclear development programs and cease development of ballistic missiles capable of delivering
nuclear weapons.
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