Search the Internet          Tips

Pakistan opposes NMD

After initial hesitation, Pakistan has taken a firm stand against United Sates President George Bush's National Missile Defence, saying it would jeopardise strategic stability and trigger a new arms race.

"It would undermine international efforts aimed at arms control and disarmament," the country's military ruler, General Parvez Musharraf said announcing his regime's stand for the first time on the American proposals to have missile defences.

"We share the international concern at the development and deployment of ballistic missile defence which could jeopardise strategic stability, trigger a new arms race and undermine international efforts aimed at arms control and disarmament," he told a state banquet given in honour of visiting Chinese Premier, Zhu Rongji in Islamabad Friday night.

It was for the first time that Musharraf reacted to NMD after India welcomed the American move to have missile defence as a step towards unilateral reduction of nuclear forces.

It is also significant that Musharraf chose to announce this during the visit of the Chinese premier, whose government is firmly opposed the plan.

Musharraf's announcement also coincides with US Deputy Secretary of State, Richard Armitage's visit to New Delhi. The Pakistan media Saturday carried comments by Prime Minister A B Vajpayee welcoming the new American vision of disarmament.

Zhu, who is on a four-day visit, however, did not refer to NMD in his speech. He said China is ready to work together with all countries in South Asia including Pakistan and contribute its share for peace and stability of Asia and world.

Tell us what you think of this report