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Blair, Tony

Clinton and Blair Urge Pakistan to Avoid Nuclear Testing

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

British Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President Bill Clinton engaged in a joint phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, urging him to avoid nuclear testing in response to India's recent nuclear devices test. The leaders conversed for 30 minutes, with Clinton and Blair reiterating their support for a decision not to test and acknowledging the difficulty of Sharif's position. Clinton emphasized the need to break out of the standoff without escalating the arms race, while Blair highlighted the persuasive argument that Pakistan should not test nuclear devices if it believes it enhances its standing in the world.

Key Takeaways:

  • The joint phone call between Clinton, Blair, and Sharif was a 30-minute conversation to prevent Pakistan from testing a nuclear bomb.
  • Clinton and Blair pressed Sharif to not follow India's course of action, but he made no commitment due to growing domestic pressure.
  • Clinton reassured Sharif of his support for a decision not to test and his understanding of the difficulty of Sharif's position.
  • Clinton emphasized the need to break out of the standoff without escalating the arms race.
  • Blair highlighted the persuasive argument that Pakistan should not test nuclear devices if it believes it enhances its standing in the world.
  • Clinton claimed he had "made no decision" about traveling to India later in the year.
  • The leaders cited the need to find a way for both Indians and Pakistanis to have security and international standing without escalating the arms race.

Statistics:

  • The US President spent 6 days on a European trip.
  • India tested 5 nuclear devices last week.
  • Clinton's trip to Geneva was the final stop of his 6-day European trip.
  • The US president expressed concern about the prospect of nuclear testing spreading to other countries.

Sources:

  • "Clinton and Blair Urge Pakistan to Avoid Nuclear Testing" (United Press International, May 18);
  • White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry and President Clinton's words as reported by United Press International.

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