SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS ON PAKISTAN TO JOIN INDIA IN DECLARING MORATORIUM ON FUTURE NUCLEAR WEAPON TESTS
Press Release
SG/SM/6577
SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS ON PAKISTAN TO JOIN INDIA IN DECLARING MORATORIUM ON FUTURE NUCLEAR WEAPON TESTS
19980530 Dismayed by Sixth Test by PakistanThe following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General has learned with profound dismay that, despite the appeals for restraint by him as well as by the Security Council and leaders of many Member States, Pakistan has conducted a sixth underground nuclear weapon test on Saturday, 30 May. This further dangerous and senseless escalation of tension could lead to a nuclear arms race with incalculable consequences. The international community must move to prevent a further deterioration of the situation.
The Secretary-General urgently reiterates his appeal to the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan to demonstrate their leadership at this critical stage by exercising restraint and reducing the high tensions between them. Noting that India has already announced a moratorium on future tests, he calls upon Pakistan to make a parallel declaration. He also urges both countries to accede to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) without conditions.
The Secretary-General reiterates the offer made to the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan in the letters he addressed to them on 29 May to assist them in initiating a constructive dialogue.
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