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G-8 Plus to discuss nuclear tests on Friday, sans India and Pakistan

The Group of Eight industrial nations and a few others, commonly known as G-8 Plus, will meet in London on Friday to discuss the situation arising out of the nuclear tests by India and Pakistan, but without allowing their representatives to be present there.

State Department spokesman James Rubin gave an indication to this effect in Washington yesterday.

''I do not expect India and Pakistan to be there,'' he said, adding, ''My understanding is that the meeting will consist of the G-8 Plus, I gather some countries were being added. I don't want to name them before they have been invited.''

He said the countries proposed to be invited from outside the G-8, would have ''special influence, responsibility and expertise'' in the proliferation area. But, they were expected to be invited to a part of that meeting, he added.

The United States, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Canada and Russia constitute the G-8. Russia is the latest entrant to the club.

UNI

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