Statement by Kanezo Muraoka, Chief Cabinet Secretary on the underground nuclear tests conducted by Pakistan on 30 May 1998

May 30, 1998

1. Shortly after 17:00 on 30 May 1998 (Japanese Time), Pakistan conducted underground nuclear tests for the second time, Japan regards most seriously the fact that Pakistan conducted these tests despite the strong criticism from Japan and other members of the international community of its nuclear tests on 28 May, and strongly protests against the Government of Pakistan.
   
   
2. The repeated nuclear testing by Pakistan is a most dangerous step which hightens tensions in the region and risks fundamentally destabilizing the non-proliferation regime. By no means can Japan condone this action.
   Japan strongly demands that Pakistan earnestly heed the voice of the international community which calls upon it to discontinue nuclear testing and the development of nuclear weapons as well as to accede to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Mr. Keizo Obuchi, the Minister for Foreign Affairs will call in the Charge d'affaires of Pakistan in Tokyo today in order to convey this message.
   
   
3. In the light of the development above, Japan will actively address the urgent issues of safeguarding the non-proliferation regime and peace in South Asia in such international fora as the United Nations Security Council.