Pakistan rejects IAEA Chief's remarks
Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Spokesman Briefings
Date: 09/01/2008
Record of Press Briefing on 09 January, 2008
Opening Statement
Pakistan rejects IAEA Chief's remarks
Pakistan rejects the statement by Dr. El Baradei, Director General International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), hinting at the possibility of its nuclear weapons falling into the hands of extremists. As head of the IAEA, which is a UN body, he has to be careful about his statements which ought to remain within the parameters of his mandate. His remarks also ignore the fact that the strategic assets of Pakistan are fully secure and under multilayered safeguards and controls exercised by the National Command Authority.
On several occasions IAEA's Chief has been briefed about the structure and control mechanisms put in place to ensure complete safety of our nuclear assets.
Pakistan is a responsible nuclear weapon state. Our nuclear weapons are as secure as that of any other nuclear weapon state. We, therefore, believe statements expressing concern about their safety and security are unwarranted and irresponsible.
Pakistan attaches great importance to IAEA and has extended cooperation and assistance to the Agency on many important issues towards the fulfillment of its mandate. Our civilian nuclear program is under IAEA safeguards and we have always fully complied with IAEA obligations.
Question/Answer Session
Q: You have commented on the statement of the IAEA Chief but unfortunately there seems to be a media campaign against Pakistan attempting to malign the security of the nuclear assets of Pakistan and caste aspersions regarding its contributions in the war on terror. What are your comments?
A: We have noticed that a section of international media has embarked upon a propaganda campaign against Pakistan , its national institutions and security of its strategic assets in the garb of reporting and analyzing the horrific Rawalpindi incident. We reject all such baseless, ridiculous and sinister insinuations that reek of animus against Pakistan . These statements intend to see Pakistan destabilized. This campaign is further upsetting the people of Pakistan who are still in a state of shock.
Q: What do you think are the specific perceptions in the mind of El Baradei's mind about Pakistan 's nuclear assets that compelled him to issue such statements? He also spoke about the effects of a new war in the Middle East on Pakistan .
A: I cannot comment on what goes on in El Baradei's mind. We, however, noticed that he also said that if there is a new war in the Middle East , it would affect Pakistan more than the war stricken country itself. I fail to comprehend his logic. I don't know what prompted him to make such statements.
Q: Don't you think that by making such statements El Baradei has overstepped the mandate given to him under the IAEA charter?
A: I have already said that IAEA, which is a UN body, should stay within its mandate. It's main concern with safeguarded civilian nuclear facilities.
Q: Pakistan has been the darling of the west and been praised by the Western media since it joined the war on terror. What do you think brought about the change in the behavior of the international media recently? Also, you must have seen the recent issue of Economist.
A: First of all you must rethink your question. Pakistan was never the darling of the western media even after 9/11. You can check the record. I think a section of the western media has always attacked Pakistan and sought to find something which would project a negative image of Pakistan . This was true even during the Afghan struggle against the Soviet occupation. The recent issue of Economist has a sensational title on the cover saying "the most dangerous country in the world" but the article inside talks about some of the challenges faced by Pakistan which we will overcome.
Q: Do you think there is a campaign against Muslim countries and Pakistan being the only Muslim nuclear weapon state is being specially targeted?
A: The fact that Pakistan is a developing country and a Muslim country is pertinent to the nuclear issue. For some, Pakistan 's nuclear status is obviously unacceptable because we are a developing country and we are a Muslim country.
Q: We are accustomed to allegations and speculations regarding the nuclear assets of Pakistan but this time the person who made this statement is the head of the IAEA. Do you think this could have any serious implications for Pakistan ? How does Government of Pakistan plan to react to this? Has Pakistan taken up this issue with the IAEA?
A: I think we have made a very clear statement. We will take whatever other steps deemed necessary. The statement in itself has no implications because the IAEA Chief doesn't have the required mandate to make such statements.
Q: You said there is a media campaign against Pakistan which seems orchestrated. Who do you think is behind the campaign?
A: I don't know who is behind the campaign but certainly those behind the campaign are not Pakistan 's friends.
Q: Don't you think that the fact that no reaction has been made from anyone in the government in response to the statement made by the chief of IAEA which is a very important body signify that the Government of Pakistan is taking a defensive position?
A: I am the Government's spokesman on this issue and have made a very clear and catagoric statement.
Q: The British Foreign Secretary David Miliband yesterday made a statement that the Government of Pakistan still needs to take more steps to ensure transparency in the upcoming elections. Also the EU election observer chief met Nawaz Sharif and said that the proof given to him by Nawaz Sharif concerning possible rigging of the upcoming elections is considerable. What steps are being taken by the Government to satisfy both the domestic and international parties?
A: It was declared at the highest level that the elections would be free, fair, transparent and peaceful. The Government of Pakistan has every intention to fulfill this promise made by the President.
Q: Have you been in touch with the IAEA after the statement was made?
A: Yes, we have been in touch with the IAEA. Our Charge d' Affairs spoke with the Chief of Staff of El Baradei in Vienna .
Q: Can you confirm if the President is going to visit Tehran soon to sign the final agreement of the IPI?
A: Negotiations on IPI were held earlier this week and the Minister of Petroleum had announced that they are at a very advanced stage. I don't know of any summit level visit.
Q: Can you tell us about Senator Lieberman's visit?
A: US Senator Lieberman arrived from Afghanistan yesterday. He met with the Prime Minister yesterday and called on the President today. We have a detailed press release for you on this which will be distributed after the briefing.
Q: Can you confirm if Senator Lieberman and the Congressional delegation met General Kidwai at the Strategic Plan Division (SPD)?
A: I am not aware if Senator Lieberman visited SPD. However, the Congressional delegation visited SPD.
Q: Apart from El Baradei , US Presidential candidates are also talking about the security of Pakistan 's nuclear assets. A front runner in fact said that the security of Pakistan 's strategic asset is a priority. What are your comments on this?
A: I believe you are referring to Senator Hillary Clinton's statement. We have already said that there was vagueness about what she meant, whether the interest was in sharing information about the safety of our nuclear assets or something else. Regardless of the meaning of her remarks it must be clearly understood that our leadership at the highest level has repeatedly said that our strategic assets are completely safe and secure under fully indigenous, multi layered institutionalized security and command and control structure.
Q: India is the only country that has expressed full trust in the security of Pakistan 's nuclear assets. Is it because India knows something others don't or does this reflect the excellent relations between the two countries?
A: India has stated the fact. If you look at the statement made by Deputy Spokesman of the White House Mr. Stanzel yesterday you will see that he has said the same thing. No government has expressed concerns about the safety of our strategic assets. The criticism comes from media and think tanks and not governments who know better.
Q: It is widely believed that the Democrat party will win the elections in the US . Do you foresee Pakistan maintaining cordial relations with the US in that case?
A: Pakistan US relationship is an important relationship. It is important not only for the two countries but also for maintaining peace and stability in the whole region. This relationship is based on the national interest of the two countries and will continue in the interest of two countries.
Q: We have always said that we are fighting terrorism in our own interest. Why then have we been accepting assistance from US?
A: Participation in war on terror is in our own interest. We live in an interdependent world and need help and assistance from other countries. Getting help from the international community does not change the fact that the war on terror is in our own national interest.
Q: There are reports that more investigators are being called for aiding the investigation by Scotland Yard. Why more investigators were called in? Will PPP's demand be met for a UN investigations?
A: The Government's position is very clear on investigation issue. The Ministry of Interior is dealing with Scotland Yard team. I believe certain expertise was required which will be provided by the additional experts from Scotland Yard.
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