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Fernandes fears Pak may use nuclear weapons

Defence Minister George Fernandes said in an interview published today that he fears Pakistan could be tempted to use nuclear weapons in the event of a full-blown conflict with India.

''Pakistan is an irresponsible country,'' Fernandes was quoted as saying in an interview with the French dailyLe Figaro.

He said that Pakistan was not at all ''bluffing about using nuclear arms.''

Fernandes noted that Pakistan had refused to sign with India a treaty banning first use of nuclear arms because ''they knew that we're superior in conventional weapons.''

''Pakistan has lost three conflicts with India, and in case of a fourth conflict, they could be tempted to push the nuclear button,'' the defence minister was quoted as saying.

UNI

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