Pak N-Scientist Qadeer`s pardon conditional: Spokesman
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, Feb 9, IRNA -- The pardon granted to Pakistan`s nuclear bomb father Dr A Q Khan is conditional, specific to the charges which came to the surface so far and not a blanket one, Foreign Office Spokesman Masood Khan said on Monday. Replying to questions at his weekly news briefing in Islamabad the spokesman said that investigation into proliferation is continuing and the pardon granted to Dr A Q Khan is conditional. "This pardon is specific to the charges which came to the surface so far and specific to the results of current investigations." He said there are strict security restrictions imposed on Dr. Khan and his associates. "Dr. Khan, his associates and those being investigated will not be allowed to resume their normal duties or activities. "The investigations into proliferation were continuing for some time and when time came for appropriate action, it was taken," the spokesman said, adding that the decision of the government was `transparently` shared with the people. Masood Khan stated that there was neither any penetration of foreign agents into Pakistan`s nuclear establishments nor `there is any possibility of pilferage due to firm custodial controls and multi-prolonged intelligence system`. He said the security system surrounding nuclear establishments and nuclear program is `impregnable`. "The country has National Command Authority and taken comprehensive measures to secure its assets." To a question, Masood Khan said United States, China, France and the international community have been supportive to what Pakistan government has been doing. "The international community understands the hard choices that Pakistan faces." He said on the one hand `we have supreme national interests and we have contributions of personality who is seen as a national personality`. Commenting on Iranian Foreign Ministry`s spokesman statement denying that it had received nuclear technology from Pakistan, the spokesman said this confirms that there was no direct contact between the governments of Pakistan and Iran. "This reinforces Pakistan`s argument that no government institution entity of Pakistan has ever been involved in direct transfer of nuclear technology." Asked to comment on the report alleging that a C-130 aircraft carried nuclear technology to North Korea, the spokesman denied it. "The plane carried shouldered fired SA-16 missiles. There was no nuclear technology on board and speculations about this should come to an end." According to the spokesman, the international Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has established contacts with governments and entities and investigating them as the international black market is much wider. "Pakistan as a responsible nuclear weapons state want to curb and eliminate nuclear proliferation." He said Pakistan would cooperate with international community and is cooperating with the IAEA and `if it requires any information to get a sense of results Pakistan is ready to share with them`. To another question the spokesman denied that US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage and Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca had provided some evidence about proliferation in September last year, saying `no such exchange took place during that visit`. About Saturday`s telephonic conversation of US Secretary of State Collin Powell with the president of Pakistan, the spokesman said, "It covered bilateral issues, regional and international situation and recent investigations that have taken place in Pakistan about proliferation." He said no dates for his visit have yet been finalized but added, `he is friend of Pakistan and is most welcome to visit this country. When he comes, he will have a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan`. TK/TSH/AH/210 End
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
