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Nuclear Suppliers Group to visit Pakistan next month

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, March 21, IRNA
Pakistan-Nuclear
A team of the Nuclear Suppliers Group would pay a two-day visit to Pakistan from April 11 to discuss matters relating to non-proliferation, Foreign Office said on Monday.

Foreign Office spokesman Jalil Abbas Jillani while replying to a question during the weekly press briefing clarified that the group would not be allowed to inspect Pakistan's nuclear installations.

The spokesman reiterated Pakistan's position that it has completed investigations into nuclear proliferation and no fresh evidence has emerged in this regard. He said Pakistan on its part has already eliminated the network of illegal proliferators and now it is for other 12 countries to do their job. He said Dr. A.Q. Khan will not be handed over to any country.

NO PRESSURE ON GAS LINE: The spokesman denied reports that there was any pressure on Pakistan on the multi-billion Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project. "Negotiations are underway and Pakistan would take a decision in its economic interests. He also added that Pakistan is also pursuing gas pipeline projects from Turkmenistan and Qatar.

KASHMIR BUS: Replying to questions he said Azad Kashmir Prime Minister would inaugurate the first bus service between Muzaffarabad and Srinagar on 7th of next month. He said in view of the limited capacity of the bus, preference has been given to hardship cases where people could not see their relatives for a long time. List of people travelling by the inaugural service would be exchanged between the two sides tomorrow.

PAKISTANI DETAINEES IN INDIA: About fate of Pakistani fishermen and civilians detained in India, the spokesman said they are 533 in number and during the last meeting of the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries it was agreed that the process of their release would be expedited. Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi is in the process of verifying their nationality.

When his attention was drawn towards reports that India is pressurizing the World Bank not to appoint neutral expert to resolve the Baglihar dam dispute, the spokesman said it is yet another violation of the Indus Water Treaty. He hoped that the World Bank would take a decision strictly in accordance with the provisions of the treaty.

Asked to comment on Indian External Affairs Minister's statement about so-called cross border terrorism, the spokesman said such statements are not called for as the two countries are engaged in dialogue process to resolve all issues peacefully.

Replying to another question he said Pakistan, as Chairman of the SAARC, is in contact with other member states for early convening of the summit.

The spokesman told a questioner that the European Union has not yet taken a decision on Pakistan's request for trade concessions under its GSP plus scheme. The matter is being negotiated as it would be help reduce poverty and create more job opportunities.

Mr. Jalil Abbas Jillani said F-16s issue was discussed with the US Secretary of State during her recent visit to Pakistan. He said Pakistan's legitimate defence requirements are under active consideration by the US administration.

About UN reforms, the spokesman said Pakistan supports Model-B proposed by the UN Experts for Security Council expansion envisaging increase in the number of non-permanent category of members.

TK/1771
::IRNA No.011 21/03/2005 16:30 --End