Pakistan Test-Fires Short-Range, Nuclear-Capable Missile

MISSILE NEWS

In this picture taken 23 March 2005, Pakistani spectators watch a Hatf II or Abdali missile, capable of carrying nuclear warheads with a range of 180 kilometers (111 miles), during the National Day parade in Islamabad. Pakistan successfully test fired the short-range, nuclear-capable missile 31 March 2005, as a minister said that fine print was delaying a formal deal with India on giving prior warning of such tests. AFP photo by Jewel Samad/Files

Islamabad (AFP) Mar 31, 2005
Pakistan successfully test fired a short-range, nuclear-capable missile on Thursday, as a minister said that fine print was delaying a formal deal with India on giving prior warning of such tests.

The launch of the homegrown Hatf II, or Abdali missile, which can hit targets up to 180 kilometres (111 miles) away, came less than two weeks after Pakistan tested its longest-range missile.

"All desired technical parameters were validated," a military statement said, adding that the missile could carry all types of warheads.

Rivals India and Pakistan, who alarmed the world by conducting back-to-back nuclear detonations in 1998, carry out frequent missile tests despite an ongoing 14-month-old peace process.

Islamabad indicated that it had informed its larger and more powerful neighbour in advance of Thursday's test, in accordance with an unwritten 1999 agreement.

"As part of the usual confidence-building measures, prior notification of the test had been given to all concerned," it added.

However the two countries failed to reach a formal deal on notification of missile tests during talks last December. Such an arrangement is designed to prevent misunderstandings leading to an accidental nuclear exchange.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri said in an interview published Thursday that there were still differences with India over sharing sensitive details on launch sites and trajectories.

"They wanted more information than we are prepared to give," Kasuri told Japan's Kyodo news service.

They were also unable to reach agreement on whether cruise missiles should be included in the formal agreement, Kasuri added.

Both had previously blamed the "complex" issues involved for failing to reach a formal deal but until now had not explained the details.

Pakistan and India have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947. Two were over the Himalayan territory of Kashmir, which is divided between the two and claimed in full by both.

The two countries are currently trying to push forward a peace dialogue begun in January 2004, under which sporting, cultural and transport links have been revived.

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf is due to watch a one-day international cricket match between the sporting rivals in New Delhi in April and will also meet Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Next week sees the launch of the first bus service in six decades to cross the military line divding Kashmir, a major boost for families divided by the conflict over the region.

However the United States's controversial decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan was greeted with anger by New Delhi.

Indian Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Monday that the sale could affect the ongoing peace dialogue.

"Given Pakistan's track record, we fear such weapons would be directed towards India," the minister said.

MISSILE NEWS

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