Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Pakistan backs Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Oct 21, IRNA -- Pakistan supports Iran’s right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, the Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said there is no change in Pakistan policy about Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme.

The spokesman made the remarks at weekly press briefing to clarify a statement by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Washington. Mr Basit said that Foreign Minister Qureshi was replying to a question at Harvard University and articulated the principled stance of Pakistan over Iran’s nuclear issue.

The spokesman said Pakistan will continue to favor Iran’s right to civilian use of nuclear technology. “We hope that issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program resolved peacefully”, said Abdul Basit.

Qureshi had pointed out in Washington that Iran being signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has an international obligation of respecting the treaty.

Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said that all parties involved in Iran’s nuclear issue should observe their responsibility. He added that Iran is brotherly neighbor of Pakistan and both countries enjoy strong bilateral ties.

Abdul Basit said that Pakistan ambassador in Tehran Mohammad Abbasi has completed his contract and has demanded returning to Pakistan, refuting the notion that he has been directed by the Pakistan government to relinquish his charge and return home because he was beneficiary of a controversial amnesty law already struck down by the Pakistani Supreme Court.

“We appreciate Ambassador Abbasi’s work in promoting Pakistan-Iran relations”, he said.

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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30032465