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<title>CANADA REGRETS INDIA'S INTENTION TO TEST MISSILES</title>
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<p><font size="-1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>January 8, 2003 <em>(7:40 p.m. EST)</em> No. 3</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA REGRETS INDIA'S INTENTION TO TEST MISSILES</strong></font><font size="-1"></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today expressed deep concern over India's reported intention to test several ballistic
missiles and urged New Delhi not to carry out the tests.</p>
<p>"Canada deeply regrets that India is once again planning to test nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, particularly at a time
when tensions with Pakistan remain high," said Minister Graham. "As was the case with Pakistan's missile tests in October
2002, we fear that these tests will exacerbate tensions in an already volatile region and detract from constructive efforts to
achieve a peaceful resolution. Canada strongly urges India not to conduct these missile flight tests." </p>
<p>Mr. Graham encouraged India to subscribe to the Hague Code of Conduct against ballistic missile proliferation, which was
launched last November. The Code commits subscribing states to curbing and preventing the proliferation of ballistic
missiles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction and to exercising maximum possible restraint in the
development, testing and deployment of such missiles including, where possible, reduction of national holdings.</p>
<p>The Minister also urged India to abide by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1172 and to 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 that year. Among other measures,
the Resolution specifically called on India and Pakistan to stop their development programs for nuclear weapons and to
cease development of ballistic missiles capable of delivering them.</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
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<p>Isabelle Savard</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</p>
<p>(613) 995-1851</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221095149/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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