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Pakistan Concerned Over Indian Missile Tests
Islamabad (AFP) Apr 29, 2002 Pakistan Monday expressed concern over India's testing of a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed with Russia, saying it was a clear violation of international arms agreements. "The introduction of this new weapon system will aggravate the existing balance in the region and further encourage India in its hegemonic designs," foreign office spokesman Aziz Ahmed Khan told a press briefing. "It should also be a matter of deep concern that this cooperation is a clear violation of international obligations of Russia as a member of MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime)," he said. MTCR is an informal political arrangement aimed at controlling the proliferation of missiles able to carry weapons of mass destruction. The missile, known as Brahmos, has a range of 300 kilometres (186 miles) and can carry a 200-kilogramme (440-pound) conventional war-head. It was first test-fired in June last year, but India also reported successful tests over its eastern state of Orissa on Sunday. "Pakistan will take all necessary steps to ensure a strong defence capability to deter any aggressive design against our sovereignty and territorial integrity," Khan said. "We have also always impressed upon major powers to refrain from policies and measures that would de-stabilize the region. Tensions between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan remain high after New Delhi blamed Pakistan-based militants for an attack on its parliament last December. Both sides amassed thousands of troops at their mutual border in the disputed Himalayan state of Kashmir following the attack. Related Links Brahmos SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express New Nuclear Sub Could Replace Doomed Kursk: Official Moscow (AFP) Apr 26, 2002 A new Russian nuclear submarine belonging to the same class as the Kursk could replace the doomed sub that sank to the seabed in August 2000 causing the death of its 118 crew members, a military construction official said. |
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