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Iran denies assistance from Pakistan in N-program

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Jan 14, IRNA -- Visiting Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister 
for Asia-Pacific Affairs Mohsen Aminzadeh on Wednesday denied reports 
that Pakistani nuclear scientists have helped in its nuclear program. 
"Iran nuclear program has been developed by our own scientists and
there is no outside assistance," the Iranian diplomat told a news 
conference in Islamabad following his talks with Pakistani leaders. 
The Iranian deputy foreign minister called on Prime Minister Mir 
Zafarullah Jamali and met Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri, Finance 
Minister Shaukat Aziz in addition to holding official talks with 
Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar. 
The Iranian deputy foreign minister said that two persons from the
region and not any scientists played the role of business-brokers to 
purchase necessary equipment for the Iranian peaceful nuclear program.
However, he did not disclose the nationality of the two men. 
He said that three European nationals also helped Iran in 
purchases from the international market. 
"We had provided information to the International Atomic Energy 
Agency about the purchases from the international market and those who
played role of brokers," he added. 
Aminzadeh said there was no violation of international laws in 
purchase of equipment for the nuclear program. 
"I was surprised over reports in section of the Pakistani and 
non-Pakistani newspapers," he said adding that the reports were not 
true. 
Asked if Iran has lost its dignity by giving information to the 
IAEA, he maintained that the purchases were normal practice and in 
accordance with the international laws. 
He welcomed normalization of ties between Pakistan and India 
saying rapprochement of ties would ensure regional peace and will lead
to resolution of Kashmir dispute. 
Aminzadeh also hoped that improved relations between Pakistan and 
India will have positive impact on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. 
"The gasline is beneficial for Pakistan even if India does not 
join the project." 
He welcomed the agreement between Pakistan and India to resume 
dialogue next month. 
The Iranian deputy minister said Tehran supports the peace process
in the South Asian region, adding it will give a boost to economic 
activities in the region. 
India and Pakistan in a joint statement issued last week on the 
sidelines of the SAARC summit agreed to start formal bilateral talks 
in February on all issues including the Jammu and Kashmir, after a 
two-year suspension. 
Welcoming Monday`s visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Mir 
Zafarullah Khan Jamali to Afghanistan, the Iranian official described 
it as a `positive development`. 
Aminzadeh arrived in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad Tuesday on
a two-day visit for official talks. 
He also said support of the people and government of Pakistan in 
expressing their sympathies and sending relief goods and facilities to
victims of the Bam earthquake in Iran proved the sincerity between the
two nations. 
"The sincere expressions of grief and condolences of the Pakistani
people and officials as well as the dispatch of rescue and relief 
items indicate that there are still a lot of untapped potentials in 
the two countries," Aminzadeh added. 
The Iranian deputy minister delivered to Pakistani officials an 
invitation from Iranian President Seyed Mohammad Khatami to President 
of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf to take part in the upcoming 
Development-8 summit in Tehran. 
Aminzadeh held a round of talks with Pakistan`s Foreign Secretary 
Riaz Khokhar on Tuesday discussing bilateral, regional and 
international issues. 
A press release of the Iranian Embassy in Pakistan said, the 
diplomats agreed to boost economic cooperation between their 
respective countries. 
"Iran and Pakistan decided Tuesday to upgrade the bilateral 
economic interaction to the mutual advantage of the two countries in 
the years ahead," a Foreign Office statement said. 
The two countries share common perceptions on several key 
international and regional issues. 
TK/TSH/AH/210 
End