July 30, 2002	Tuesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 19,1423

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, July 29: Asia-Pacific nations fear tensions between Pakistan and India could erupt into a nuclear arms race, saying it is the “central consideration” in assessing regional security.

“The ministers expressed the hope that India and Pakistan would take all necessary steps to defuse tension,” said a draft communique to be delivered at the end of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which includes India.

“Ministers noted that the danger of a nuclear arms race in South Asia remained a central consideration in assessing the wider Asia-Pacific security outlook.”

The document, seen on Monday, called on both countries to “resume immediate dialogue... and resolve their differences through peaceful means to restore and maintain peace and stability”.

It was drawn up by senior officials from the 23-member ARF, which includes the established nuclear powers _ the United States, China and Russia. It will be delivered at the end of their annual meeting on Wednesday.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers, who end their annual meeting on Tuesday, will also issue a statement urging Pakistan and India to “restore and maintain” peace.—AFP