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30 June 2005 |
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http://www.deepikaglobal.com/ENG3_sub.asp?... |
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Islamabad, June 30 (UNI) Expressing concern over the recent US-India defence agreement for joint weapons production and cooperation on missile defence, Pakistan today said induction of advance weapon systems could destabilise strategic balance in the region. ''The induction of advance weapon system into the region is a matter of concern for Pakistan,'' a foreign ministry spokesman said here this evening while commenting on the pact. Signed by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his US counterpart Donald Rumsfeld on Tuesday, the agreement will also lift the US export controls for sensitive military technologies to New Delhi. The accord will also pave the way for setting up a defence procurement and production group to oversee defence trade, as well as prospects for co- production and technology collaboration and signing of deals on military research, development, testing and evaluation. ''We have already conveyed our concern to the US over the negative consequence of induction of new weapons such as missile defence,'' the spokesman said. Recalling Pakistan's proposal to India for a strategic restraint regime based on conflict resolution, nuclear and missile restraint and conventional balance, he said Pakistan remains committed to the ongoing composite dialogue process with India. While Pakistan is opposed to an arms race, he said, ''We are committed to maintaining credible minimum deterrence in both conventional and non- conventional areas.'' He stressed that Pakistan would also ensure its defensive capability and respond appropriately to rectify any imbalance.
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