Zardari supports no-first-use nuclear policy
Monday, 24 November 2008
NEW DELHI, Nov 23 (AFP): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said he was in favour of a no-first-use policy on nuclear weapons, a stance already announced by neighbouring India.
"Most definitely," Zardari said Saturday evening via videolink from his home in Pakistan, when asked whether his country would pledge not to use a nuclear weapon first. "I am against nuclear warfare altogether."
Zardari also said India and Pakistan should work on a region-specific treaty on nuclear use.
The two neighbours have taken some steps to reduce the risks of the arsenals -- including setting up a telephone hotline aimed at preventing an accidental conflict. In October 2005, the two agreed to notify one another in advance on ballistic missile tests.
"Most definitely," Zardari said Saturday evening via videolink from his home in Pakistan, when asked whether his country would pledge not to use a nuclear weapon first. "I am against nuclear warfare altogether."
Zardari also said India and Pakistan should work on a region-specific treaty on nuclear use.
The two neighbours have taken some steps to reduce the risks of the arsenals -- including setting up a telephone hotline aimed at preventing an accidental conflict. In October 2005, the two agreed to notify one another in advance on ballistic missile tests.