Berlin denies report on imminent sale of three submarines to Pakistan
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Berlin, Oct 31, IRNA
Germany-Pakistan-Submarines
The German government on Friday denied a television report about the imminent sale of three conventional U-214 submarines to crisis-hit Pakistan.
Talking to the press in Berlin, German Economic Ministry spokesman Steffen Moritz stressed no government permit had yet been issued to the HDW dockyard, based in the north German city of Kiel, to build the submarines.
There has been "no new development" in the case, said Moritz.
An initial request by the German builder of the submarines to engage in contract talks with Pakistan was responded positively in November 2004, he added.
Any sale of the three submarines to Pakistan would have to be authorized by the German National Security Council, taking into account "political and regional aspects," according to Moritz.
Islamabad is reportedly interested in acquiring the three new advanced versions of conventional submarines, worth 1.2 billion euros, in a bid to increase its naval capabilities to meet any challenges from the rapidly expanding Indian navy.
Political observers say it is highly unlikely that the German government would give green light to the controversial deal in the near future amid Pakistan's deepening political and financial woes.
Pakistan and Germany have deepened military and security ties over the past years.
Germany has become the fourth country after the United States, Japan and Russia to begin a strategic dialogue with Pakistan.
There are regular political-military talks with Pakistan army officials on security and military issues which include counter- terrorism and training of Pakistani officers in Germany.
Pakistani officers have received military training and education trained in Germany in recent years as part of military education and training programs, according to various news reports.
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