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France may delay Mirage delivery to Pak

France has said that it might delay the delivery of Mirage combat jets to Pakistan as a result of the Kargil conflict.

''In the framework of routine verifications carried out due to the increase of fighting in Kashmir, there may be delays in the execution of ongoing contacts,'' foreign ministry spokesman Francois Rivasseau told reporters yesterday.

He indicated that the contract which would be affected was that for 40 updated Mirage III combat jets of which eight have already been delivered and a further eight were to be sent within the next few days.

Rivasseau insisted France was not imposing an arms embargo against Pakistan or against neighbouring India with which it is at odds in the crisis.

France has called for an end to intrusions by armed groups across the existing boundary lines between the two sides.

Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine later telephoned his Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz, asking him to 'make the necessary gestures' for resumed dialogue between India and Pakistan, Vedrine's office said.

Vedrine added that ''Europe, the West and many other countries were deeply worried by the situation and believed everything should be done to avoid a worsening of the situation''.

Aziz was reported to have replied that Vedrine's appeal 'should be heard by both sides'.

Among other recent Pakistani purchases of military equipment from France are three Agosta-class submarines.

UNI

The Kargil Crisis

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