Comments by the Chief Cabinet Secretary on the Nuclear Testing conducted by Pakistan

May 28, 1998

1. On 28 May, after 7 p.m. in Japanese time, Pakistan conducted underground nuclear tests. In the wake of the Indian nuclear testing, Japan has repeatedly demanded Pakistan to exercise its utmost restraint by sending a special envoy to Islamabad with a letter of Prime Minister Hashimoto, Prime Minister Hashimoto also made a direct phone call to Prime Minister Sharif, urging Pakistan to exercise restraint. It is extremely regrettable that Pakistan has conducted its nuclear testing in defiance of the earnest demands: from the international community including Japan.
      Japan would not tolerate the Pakistani nuclear testing, because it would exacerbate the crisis of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation which was already been affected by the Indian nuclear tests, and greatly harm the stability of the region. Japan urges Pakistan to stop its nuclear development and testing, and to become party to the CTBT and the NPT, while calling upon the international society to unite in addressing this crisis of nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation.
   
   
2. Facing this situation, Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi will summon Miss. Kureshi, Charge d'affaires of Pakistan in Tokyo at 11 p.m. on 28 May, and will explain Japan's position, and convey the message to the Pakistani Government.
      The Government of Japan has quickly begun serious consideration to take necessary measures to Pakistan.