The Hindu : Japan concerned over n-proliferation

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 01, 2004

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Japan concerned over n-proliferation

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MARCH 31 . Japan today voiced "serious concern" over the illegal proliferation of nuclear technology from Pakistan to North Korea.

Talking to reporters here today, the Japanese Ambassador, Yasukuni Enoki, said his Government had rushed the Deputy Foreign Minister to Islamabad to convey Tokyo's "strong concerns" on the issue. Tokyo had also sought details from Islamabad.

"We asked the Pakistan Government to provide all details and information about this proliferation. We are waiting for a responsible reply from the Pakistan Government," he said.

He, however, said that it could not be ascertained at this stage if Pakistan as a Government was involved in any way or was an act of an individual. "At this stage, it would not be fair to comment. We do not have enough material to suggest if the Pakistan Government was involved."

Mr. Enoki, who took over as the Japanese envoy in New Delhi three months ago, favoured a strategic trilateral axis — India, Japan and China. In his opinion, the proposed axis would strengthen the stability and prosperity of the region.

A recent meeting of heads of Japanese missions in the Asian nations was held in Tokyo where discussions focussed on India. Informal discussions on the proposed India-Japan-China axis had been held between Tokyo and New Delhi, but no proposal had been made to China.

"It is important to enhance India's position as one of the three major powers of Asia," he said.

The Japanese envoy said India-Japan cooperation in the field of nuclear non-proliferation and against terrorism should be increased.

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