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JJ rules out Indo-Pak N-war

RECORDER REPORT

MULTAN: Chief Executive Media Adviser Javed Jabbar on Sunday ruled out any possibility of nuclear war between Pakistan and India, however, Pakistan is capable of retaliating Indian aggression.

He talking to newsmen at Multan airport on Sunday.

He said that Pakistan had taken precautionary measures after repulsing the massive Indian attack in Chuamb sector. He said that vigilance on Line of Control has been increased.

Condemning the Indian premier Atal Bihari Vajpayee's warning of war against Pakistan he said it had exposed the designs of India.

With regard to referendum on CTBT he said that there was no precedence of holding referendum in Pakistan on issues or non-issues.

"However we had opened a general debate on CTBT and allowed the people from different walks to express their views and fears on CTBT through print and electronic media, he said adding the government would sign CTBT if it would be in national interest. He said that CTBT had lost its significance as US senate itself has rejected it.

To a question he said that government has neither taken final decision on District Advisory Boards nor did consider. It a substitute for elected institutions. However, he said the government wanted full participation of masses in development and reforming drive.

He admitted that government wanted to revive local councils by holding local bodies election under proportionate representations like system which is called multiple membership.

Replying to a question regarding the visit of US President Bill Clinton.

"We intend to evolve a consensus on this vital problem", he added. And the objective will be achieved through a phased programme of consultation and debate. Holding of a referendum on this issue has not been considered.

APP adds:

He said the US and UK delegations came to Pakistan to discuss the issue of democracy but after holding parleys openly and freely with the officials, they now understand the matter more clearly.

About US President Clinton's proposed visit to South Asia he said Pakistan welcomes his visit. He expressed the hope that his tour will help ease tension in this region.

But he stressed that by just visiting one country the US president may not be able to achieve the desired result of promoting peace in South Asia that is sitting on the nuclear powderkeg.

To a question, he said this region cannot be declared a zone free of a war-threat. The Kashmir problem is there which has become a nuclear flash-point, he said adding, for the sake of a durable peace it must be resolved.