1. CTBT
John Holum, a senior U.S. advisor regarding nuclear proliferation, noted
that it will be difficult to persuade India and Pakistan to sign the
CTBT after the U.S. Senate failed to ratify the treaty. He also
acknowledged that the treaty contains a clause that would enable the
U.S. (or any other country) to withdraw from the treaty in "supreme
national interest," if it chose to do so.
"Persuading India, Pak. to sign CTBT 'not easy'"
In separate statements, the French ambassador to Pakistan and the Consul
General of Japan urged Pakistan to sign the CTBT.
"French envoy calls
for signing CTBT"
"Japan urges
Pakistan, India to sign CTBT"
Analysis: Dawn (Lahore) reprinted a Los Angeles Times op ed by Henry
Kissinger. Kissinger argues that the "real and growing" danger of
nuclear attack on the U.S. demands implementation of a U.S. missile
defense system. Tanvir Ahmad Khan highlights shortcomings in Pakistan's
nuclear command and control system and urges the international community
to provide the financial assistance required to make the system more
transparent. Aseff Ahmed Ali, a former Foreign Minister, argues that
Pakistan's national interest, as well as safeguards within the treaty,
provide a strong rationale for Pakistan to sign the CTBT.
"US decision on
missile defence" Henry Kissinger
"A command and control
system" Tanvir Ahmad Khan
"CTBT: wisdom lies in
signing" Sardar Aseff Ahmed Ali
