NEWS RELEASES
CANADA REGRETS PAKISTANI MISSILE TEST
October 4, 2002 (5:30 p.m. EDT) No. 116
CANADA REGRETS PAKISTANI MISSILE TEST
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bill Graham today expressed regret over Pakistan's testing of its Shaheen-1 short-range ballistic
missile.
"Canada deeply regrets that Pakistan has once again chosen to test a ballistic missile, particularly at a time when tensions
with India remain high," said Minister Graham. "As was the case with Pakistan's missile tests in May, this exercise only
serves to aggravate regional tensions and to complicate serious efforts being undertaken by the international community to
find a peaceful solution to this very worrisome situation."
The solid-fuelled Shaheen-1 ballistic missile has a reported range of 750 to 800 kilometres, and is capable of carrying both
conventional and nuclear warheads.
"We again urge Pakistan to abide by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1172 and to cease development of
ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons," added Mr. Graham.
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 avoid provocations, to stop their nuclear weapons development programs and to cease development of ballistic
missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
Although the subsequent testing by India of its conventional Akash surface-to-air missile does not contravene United
Nations Security Council Resolution 1172, it is not conducive to reducing tensions in the region.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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