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07/0800 HOURS OF 17-09-1998

SEMINAR: Pakistan will decide about the signing of Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty in line with its fundamental interests which require removal of US-led sanctions, engagement of major powers for the resolution of Kashmir dispute and redressal of imbalance in its conventional weapons capabilities.

This was stated by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Muhammad Siddique Kanju while addressing a seminar on CTBT in Islamabad Wednesday.

Pakistan, he said has since already demonstrated its nuclear capability, if we were to sign the Treaty, no one can take this capability away from us.

The Chairman Standing Committee on Senate for Foreign Affairs, Senator Akram Zaki rejected the allegations that the government had made any deal over the issue of CTBT. The government demanded in its negotiations that Pakistan will not sign the treaty under pressure and as long as the discriminatory laws against it stay.

MUSHAHID: Minister for Information, Mr. Mushahid Hussain Syed has said that Pakistan will not transfer its nuclear technology to any country as it is for security and protection of the country.

He said this in an interview with a Daily of Saudi Arabia "Al-Madina".

About relations with United States following the nuclear tests, Mr. Mushahid Hussain said there has been some tension in the relations and we desire that these relations should improve.

Replying to a question, he said we continue peace efforts with India for the peaceful settlement of Kashmir dispute overlooking India's posture.

PML-PARLIAMENTARY: A Parliamentary Party meeting of the PML and its allied parties in the National Assembly, is being held Thursday at 3.30 p.m. in the Parliament House.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will preside.

21/2200 HOURS OF 16-09-1998

SARTAJ: The Foreign Minister, Mr. Sartaj Aziz has categorically stated that Pakistan will not sign the CTBT, unless the unjustified economic and other sanctions are lifted and its legitimate concerns are addressed to its satisfaction.

He was winding up discussion on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty in the Joint Session of the two houses, Wednesday afternoon.

The Foreign Minister assured that national interest would be kept upper most and there would be no bargain on national interest.

He said pakistan is a nuclear power and this capability would be protected at all costs. He said the signing of CTBT would not affect our nuclear capability and no world power can deny this. He said the CTBT would not affect our nuclear capability and no world power can deny this. He said the CTBT provides for not conducting nuclear tests and if the situation changes and India conducts more nuclear tests, Pakistan can opt out of the treaty. He said there is no ban on the conducting of cold nuclear tests.

Referring to members demand for linking of solution of Kashmir issue with the signing of CTBT, the Foreign Minister said after the nuclear tests there is a greater realisation in the world community that resolution of Kashmir problem is vital for lasting peace in South Asia. He said world community is pressing India for purposeful dialogue on Kashmir issue.

Turning to the opposition, the Foreign Minister said before their walkout, opposition leaders expressed their views and were briefed about the government's position on the issue. He said the opposition leader in the National Assembly in her press statements had demanded immediate signing of the CTBT and those in parliament including Mr. Ajmal Khattak had also supported its signing.

Our Parliamentary representative says during the debate majority of members supported for giving powers to the Prime Minister to take a decision on the CTBT, after acquiring necessary safeguards in the best national interests. They said it should be linked with the lifting of economic and other sanctions as well as resolution of Kashmir issue.

NAWAZ: The Prime Minister, Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif says his government wanted to settle all matters of national importance with consensus keeping in view democratic norms.

He was talking to a delegation of Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam (Fazlur Rehman Group) led by member of National Assembly Maulana Muhammad Sherani in the Parliament House Wednesday.

The Prime Minister said the government would also consult people from different walks of life on the proposed Shariat bill.

He urged Ulema to play their role in promoting sectarian harmony in society.