WASHINGTON: Former US Congressman Stephen J. Solarz wants the United States to declare India and Pakistan as nuclear states and the two South ne nations, in return, should gn the Comprehensive Test Baa Treaty (CTBT). Speaking at a seminar organized by the National Federation of India American Associations (NFIA) here Sept. 15th, he said it was a known fact that both New Delhi and Islamabad had the capacity to assemble a nuclear device within a short time.
In recognition of their capability, he said the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) should be amended to include India and Pakistan into the group of declared nuclear power along with the US, Russia, Britain, France and China. India voted against the CTBT in the UN General Assembly last week but it was passed by an overwhelming majority. Pakistan which voted for it has decided not to sign the documents.
Solarz said that it was unfortunate that New Delhi had not signed the CTBT.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 18, 1996
