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Pakistan, Britain for diplomatic solution to Iran`s N-issue

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Feb 14, IRNA -- Pakistan and Britain on Monday supported 
diplomatic solution to the issue of Iran`s peaceful nuclear program. 
The call was made by the visiting British Foreign Secretary Jack 
Straw and his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri after 
their talks at a joint news conference in Islamabad. 
Kasuri said the British foreign secretary informed him about 
the ongoing dialogue between Iran and three EU members on the nuclear 
issue. 
"Pakistan supports the current engagement between Iran and three 
EU countries to reach an amicable settlement." 
The British foreign secretary said three EU countries are working 
very closely in negotiations with Iran and hoped for a diplomatic 
solution of the problem. 
Asked about reports in the western media about nuclear 
non-proliferation in view of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan case, Mr. Straw said
he did not raise the matter directly in the talks with Pakistani 
leader. 
He said Britain has substantial confidence in President Pervez 
Musharraf and the Pakistani government the way they are dealing with 
the case. 
Kasuri said Pakistan in its interaction with the United States, 
United Kingdom and IAEA is keeping them aware on this issue. 
"The United States has on many occasions expressed its 
appreciation for the support, Pakistan has given on the nuclear 
issue," he added. 
Saying that Pakistan strongly believes in nuclear non 
proliferation, he added Pakistan acted on this issue in a credible 
manner and will continue to cooperate which is a reflection of its 
commitment to non proliferation. 
Replying to questions, the British foreign secretary said his 
country welcomed the continued progress and actively support the 
composite dialogue between Pakistan and India for a resolution of all 
disputes including Kashmir. 
He said they wish both the countries success in this progress. 
To another question he agreed that there are frustrations due to 
slow progress towards solution of Kashmir issue but hoped that the 
process of normalization would lead to a peaceful future for people of
Kashmir. 
During the talks the two sides also had useful exchange of views 
on UN reforms, Afghanistan and the latest situation in Iraq, said a 
press statement issued following the talks. 
Mr Straw arrived in Islamabad on three-day visit on Monday for 
bilateral consultations with Pakistani leadership. 
The British official also called on President General Pervez 
Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in Islamabad on Monday. 
They discussed regional and international issues, official 
television reported. 
"The two sides also reviewed matters of mutual interest," the PTV 
reported, giving no further details. 
In addition to a review of bilateral relations, discussions would 
be held on a wide range of regional as well as global issues, 
including resumption of the Pakistan-India dialogue, reconstruction of
Afghanistan, counter-terrorism steps and non-proliferation, said a 
foreign ministry statement issued here on Sunday. 
Straw last visited Pakistan in March 2004. 
TK/TSH/1430/1412