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<title>AXWORTHY CONDEMNS PAKISTAN'S NUCLEAR WEAPONS TESTS AND ANNOUNCES SANCTIONS</title>
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<p><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">May 28, 1998 No. 136</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">AXWORTHY CONDEMNS PAKISTAN'S NUCLEAR </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">WEAPONS TESTS AND ANNOUNCES SANCTIONS</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy attending NATO meetings in Luxembourg
today condemned the nuclear weapons tests carried out by Pakistan and announced
the imposition of sanctions against the country. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Canada condemns this action by Pakistan. These tests, following India's nuclear
tests, have grave implications for world security, regional stability and the
non-proliferation regime," said Mr. Axworthy. "We continue to urge Pakistan and
India to renounce their nuclear weapons programs and to sign both the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty." </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Axworthy announced a series of measures to be taken by Canada in reaction to
Pakistan's nuclear tests. These are consistent with those imposed on India
following its recent nuclear tests: </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> Canada's High Commissioner to Pakistan has been recalled as a sign of protest;</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> Canada is discontinuing non-humanitarian development assistance to Pakistan; </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> Canada will seek deferment of planned International Financial Institution-funded projects in Pakistan; </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> Military exports to Pakistan have been banned; and </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> The planned visit to Canada by Pakistan's Auditor General has been deferred. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"During my meeting earlier today with the Pakistani High Commissioner, I conveyed
Canada's deep regret that Pakistan felt compelled to proceed with nuclear
testing. I expressed condemnation for an action that heightens the risk of an
arms race and nuclear proliferation, and informed him of the measures to be
imposed on Pakistan," said Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Canada's earlier offer to provide Pakistan with development assistance funds
withdrawn from India was contingent on Pakistan not conducting nuclear testing.
This offer has therefore been rescinded and further measures will be considered. </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">Hilary Humphrey</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1852</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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