Clinton condemns Pakistan over nuclear tests

WASHINGTON, May 28 Kyodo - U.S. President Bill Clinton on Thursday condemned Pakistan for conducting nuclear tests in defiance of international calls for restraint following similar tests by India earlier this month. In a televised speech, Clinton said, ''I deplore the decision. By failing to exercise restraint and responding to the Indian test, Pakistan lost a truly priceless opportunity to strengthen its own security, to improve its political standing in the eyes of the world,'' he said. Although Pakistan was not the first to conduct a nuclear test, ''two wrongs don't make a right,'' Clinton said, referring to five underground nuclear tests conducted by India on May 11 and 13. Clinton said Washington will counter Pakistan's action with economic sanctions. ''I have made it clear to the leaders of Pakistan that we have no choice but to impose sanctions.'' ''I cannot believe that we're about to start the 21st century by having the Indian subcontinent repeat the worst mistakes of the 20th century when we know that it is not necessary to peace, to security, to prosperity, to national greatness or personal fulfillment,'' Clinton said.