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Kiwi PM says J&K nuclear flashpoint
Hindustan Times – Page 1. 11 October 2004
By Saurabh Shukla
Wellington, October 11

Read Original Article Here:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5922_1051077,0015002200000000.htm

In a statement that may cause controversy ahead of her first visit to India, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has described Kashmir as ''a nuclear flashpoint''.

In an exclusive interview to the Hindustan Times, Clark said that the Kashmir dispute had forced India and Pakistan to go nuclear. It can now trigger a nuclear war.

"The resolution of the nuclear issue lies in the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. I think Kashmir is the flashpoint. We will tell India to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. India will always find New Zealand as the dominant voice for nuclear disarmament," she said.

According to informed sources in Wellington, Clark may have made these remarks on the advice of a New Zealand MP of Pakistani origin, who is part of her delegation to India.

Former foreign secretary Shashank remarked that normally visiting dignitaries refrain from making controversial statements. "This can vitiate the atmosphere. I think her advisors failed to brief her properly," he said.

Foreign affairs analyst Brahma Chellaney said it was regrettable that Clark should be both ignorant of facts and insensitive to the country she was visiting. “Her statement echoes Pak propaganda,” he said.

Read Original Article Here:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5922_1051077,0015002200000000.htm

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