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France says Pakistan`s N-capability a "reality"

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Feb 28, IRNA -- France acknowledged Monday that Pakistan`s 
nuclear capability is a "reality" and "fact". 
Visiting French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin admitted 
this while replying to a question at a joint news conference with his 
Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri in Islamabad on 
Saturday. 
Asked whether France recognizes Pakistan as a nuclear power, he 
said, "We must face the reality". 
He said France is proposing a summit of heads of state on 
proliferation in the coming months and expects Pakistan to participate
in it. 
Foreign Minister of Pakistan Khurshid Kasuri said Islamabad is a 
declared nuclear power and there was no question of rolling back of 
its nuclear program. 
He added within this context Pakistan is fully prepared to 
cooperate with the international community against proliferation. 
He said Dominique de Villepin appreciated Pakistan`s role in the 
war against terrorism, reconstruction of Afghanistan and its decision 
to address the question of non-proliferation in a constructive manner.
The French minister said Paris welcomes President Pervez 
Musharraf`s call for moderate and enlightened Islam and that France is
committed to work with Pakistan on a comprehensive relationship to 
develop political dialogue and strengthen cooperation in economic, 
cultural and defence fields. 
He hoped that resumption of dialogue with India will pave way for 
lasting peace in South Asia. 
To a question, he said France was also concerned over the plight of
detainees in Guantanamo bay and wants legal solution of the problem. 
Kasuri said that as a result of discussions with American 
authorities, twenty Pakistani detainees have already been released 
while there still about thirty-eight. 
To a question about French decision to ban wearing of head scarf, 
the French foreign minister said the ban was restricted to public 
schools and aimed at "promoting the spirit of religious tolerance". 
TK/TSH/212 
End