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Britain to tighten export of N-goods to subcontinent

Britain has announced that it will tighten its already strict controls on the export of nuclear-related goods to India and Pakistan following their recent nuclear tests.

Under new measures announced by Foreign Office Minister Tony Lloyd, Britain will reject all export licence applications for items that are on the international nuclear suppliers group's dual-use list.

''We will also consider export licence applications for military items and other dual-use equipment to either country with particular vigilance,'' he said in a written answer to a parliamentary question.

Indians and Pakistanis will also be banned from visiting British nuclear facilities, and contacts by British nuclear scientists and personnel with Indians and Pakistanis will be discouraged, Lloyd said.

''Both countries have demonstrated their lack of commitment to the principles of non-proliferation and damaged the stability of South Asia,'' he said. ''Under these regrettable circumstances, it is right that we should deny the export of nuclear-related goods to India and Pakistan where they could assist their nuclear programmes.''

UNI

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