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'I cannot predict what the Security Council will decide'

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has criticised India's nuclear tests, and said he hoped the resulting tensions would not lead to an arms race.

Annan, at a news briefing before attending the opening of the Cannes Film Festival, said he planned to meet India's UN ambassador upon returning to New York.

Following the tests, the reaction from around the world has been one of "deep regret and disappointment,'' he said.

Even though India had not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, it had been expected that it would respect its spirit and intent, he said.

"What I hope is that this does not lead to an arms race," the UN chief said, "Our world is dangerous enough."

Asked about possible action by the UN, Annan said that would depend on the deliberations of the Security Council.

"I cannot predict what the Council will decide,'' he said.

UNI

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