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Pakistan seeks U.S nuclear technology

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, March 17, IRNA -- President Asif Ali Zardari Tuesday called upon the U.S. to assist Pakistan in civilian nuclear technology to help the country overcome its energy crisis, on the one hand, and bridge the trust deficit between the two countries on the other.

Zardari, in a meeting with Director of U.S. National Intelligence Mr. Dennis C. Blair, also called upon the US administration for early transfer of drone technology to Pakistan for its effective use by our own security forces and for its wider public acceptability, spokesman Farhatullah Babar said.

Briefing the media, Babar said that the President said that provision of civilian nuclear technology would go a long way in addressing misperception about the U.S. in Pakistan.

About the U.S. drone attacks on our soils, the President said, it not only infringes upon Pakistan sovereignty but also undermines the national consensus against the war on militancy, Mr. Babar informed.

The President also expressed reservations over the new screening regime for Pakistani nationals and called for its review as it had created resentment in the country and led to doubts and misgivings among the people of Pakistan.

The President emphasized the need to expedite Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) legislation in order to give local people hope for the better through creation of job and other economic opportunities. “We need to create opportunities for the people to prevent them falling in trap of the militants,” the President stressed.

He said that Pakistan has suffered a huge loss of over 35 billion dollars during the last eight years as a result of the fight against militancy in addition to the colossal and unquantifiable cost in terms of social and human losses, but with our limited resources our security forces have achieved remarkable success against militants, the President remarked.

Mr. Babar said that the President stressed upon the need for working on counter-terrorism strategy within the agreed parameters and creating an effective intelligence sharing mechanism between the two countries.

The President, during the meeting, also called upon the U.S. to strengthen and enhance counter terrorism capabilities of the Pakistan security apparatus through provision of timely assistance and necessary tools and equipment.

Mr. Dennis Blair appreciated the Pakistan Government and its security forces for their struggle against militancy and reiterated the US administration commitment to work closely with the Government of Pakistan in this regard, the spokesman said.

**1771

End News / IRNA / News Code 1016841