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The Associated Press Tuesday, December 11, 2007; 1:22 AM ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Pakistan's military said Tuesday it had successfully test-fired a medium-range cruise missile capable of delivering nuclear warheads.
The launch of a new version of the Hatf-VII or Babur missile, which has a range of 435 miles, was "part of a continuous process of validating the design parameters set for this weapon system," an army statement said. It didn't disclose the site of the missile test, but said it will "consolidate Pakistan's strategic capability and strengthen national security." The Babur missile was first test-fired in 2005, and it can hit targets deep inside India, the main rival of this Islamic nation. Tuesday's test was witnessed by the Gen. Tariq Majid, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff Committee, senior military officers,
scientists and engineers. President Pervez Musharraf congratulated the scientists and engineers and "assured them of their complete support in the development plans of all strategic projects," the statement said. Pakistan and India _ who have a history of hostile relations and have fought three wars after gaining independence from Britain in 1947 _
routinely tests their short, medium and long-range missiles. However, relations between them have improved since 2004 when they began peace talks to normalize relations and resolve their dispute over Kashmir, the main cause of bitterness between them.
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