NEWS RELEASES
CANADA EXPRESSES REGRET OVER MISSILE TESTS
April 14, 1999 (3:00 p.m. EDT) No. 79
CANADA EXPRESSES REGRET OVER MISSILE TESTS
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan today expressed
regret that India and Pakistan have again tested medium-range ballistic missiles.
"We regret the decision taken by India and Pakistan to proceed with testing medium-range ballistic missiles. These
actions fly in the face of international opinion, as expressed in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1172,"
said Mr. Axworthy. "Significant financial resources, which could be used to raise the level of human development,
are being squandered on weapons that weaken stability and security in the region."
Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Chan welcomed recent efforts by the Indian and Pakistani governments to
improve bilateral relations. "However, missile tests such as the ones just conducted will only serve to impede the
process of confidence building in South Asia. We therefore call on both India and Pakistan to desist from any
further tests."
Minister Axworthy and Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Chan again urged both India and Pakistan to take the
steps outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1172, which was approved unanimously, in response
to the nuclear tests conducted by India and Pakistan in May 1998. Among other measures, the Security Council
resolution specifically called on India and Pakistan to cease development of ballistic missiles capable of delivering
nuclear weapons.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Naseem Nuraney
Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)
(613) 995-1852
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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