Komura urges India to sign CTBT by Oct.


SINGAPORE, July 28 Kyodo - Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura urged India on Wednesday to sign by October an international treaty banning nuclear tests, but his Indian counterpart said it would be difficult because of domestic political problems, a Japanese official said.

Komura conveyed the request to Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh during their 35-minute meeting on the sidelines of the annual gathering of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its dialogue partners, the official told reporters.

The official said Komura brushed aside Singh's request to resume economic aid that Japan froze after India conducted nuclear tests in May last year. ''Let's talk about it when you visit Japan,'' Komura was quoted as telling Singh.

Singh said he hopes to realize as soon as possible Komura's invitation to visit Japan, but noted his schedule is limited ahead of the general election this autumn in India, the official said.

Komura asked India to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and take part in an international meeting scheduled for October to spur its implementation, the official said.

The treaty has not yet come into effect.

Komura also explained Japan's commitment to the treaty, saying Japan plans to chair the meeting and is working to convince China, Russia and United States, which have not ratified the pact.

Of the five declared nuclear states only Britain and France have ratified the treaty.

Singh said it would be difficult to sign the CTBT because of the approaching election, although he said Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee remains committed to pursuing an ultimate elimination of nuclear weapons.

India will start an election process on Sept. 4 that will not be concluded until early October.

In September last year, Vajpayee indicated in his speech to the U.N. General Assembly that his nation may sign the CTBT.

The official said Komura and Singh agreed to promote bilateral dialogue on security, and on economic and cultural issues in a bid to improve ties. ==Kyodo


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