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<title>CANADA STRONGLY DEPLORES NUCLEAR TESTS CARRIED OUT BY INDIA</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">May 11, 1998 No. 116</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">CANADA STRONGLY DEPLORES NUCLEAR TESTS </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">CARRIED OUT BY INDIA</font><font face="Courier" size="+2"></font><font face="Courier"></font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today in London strongly deplored the
nuclear weapons test explosions carried out by India earlier today, and announced
by Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"We are deeply concerned and very disappointed with India's decision to carry out
these nuclear tests. This incident is contrary to the international norms
established by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)and the Comprehensive
Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)," said Mr. Axworthy. "These tests could have grave
implications for global non-proliferation and disarmament, as well as for
regional security. We urge India to renounce its nuclear weapons program and to
sign on to the NPT and CTBT."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Minister Axworthy announced that the Canadian Government has asked the High
Commissioner for Canada in New Delhi to ensure that the Indian government clearly
understands Canada's views on this matter.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Minister Axworthy also urged restraint by countries in the region. "On the eve of
the G8 Birmingham Summit, G8 heads of state and government will undoubtedly wish
to discuss this serious development."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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