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03/19/2005:

"Pakistan Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable Missile"

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan Saturday successfully test-fired a long-range, nuclear-capable ballistic missile, the latest in a series of tests in one of the world's flashpoints.

``Today, we carried out a successful test-firing of the indigenously developed Shaheen II missile,'' a military official told Reuters.

The missile could travel up to 2,000 km (1,200 miles) and carry all kinds of warheads, he said.

The military said Pakistan had informed neighboring countries about the test in advance -- a practice also observed by nuclear-armed rival India, which regularly tests its own nuclear-capable missiles.

Pakistan first successfully tested a nuclear weapon in 1998.

President Pervez Musharraf, who watched the missile test, said the country's nuclear program had broad public support and was a matter of the highest national importance.

``The nation's nuclear capability ... was developed for Pakistan's own security and will continue to receive the highest national priority,'' Musharraf was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the military.

``The capability was here to stay, will continue to go from strength to strength and no harm will ever be allowed to come to it,'' he was quoted as saying.
Full Article: nytimes.com

Well that's ok. They are our 'staunch allies.'