US attitude on civil nuclear technology issue inappropriate: Kasuri
01 May, 2006
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| ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister, Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri addresses at the concluding session of South Asian Policy Analysis Network organized by the South |
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ISLAMABAD: Foreign minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri Sunday said United States attitude towards Pakistan over the civil nuclear technology issue is inappropriate adding that a US attack on Iran will not just shock moderate forces but will also give an impetus and strength to the extremist forces.
Addressing a 2-day South Asia General Conference here at a local hotel organized under the auspices of South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA) and South Asia Policy Analysis Network (SAPNA) the Foreign minister said we have been reiterating our stance to persuade US.
American decision is principally wrong and if we will not be able to persuade her we will talk to other countries, he said.
Speaking on Pak-Iran India Gas Pipeline Project, he said the project would help meet Pakistan’s energy requirements.
Speaking on the Iran nuclear issue, he said we want peaceful solution of the Iran nuclear issue and an attack on Iran will be a cause of grave concern for all Muslim countries including Europe and this will not in any way favor the interests of the international community.
Foreign minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri said we cannot give neighbouring India status of the Most Favored Nation (MFN) because of political reasons adding that Pakistan is against arms race of conventional as well as nuclear weapons.
India has given Pakistan MFN status and in the last few years there has been an increase in the volume of trade between India and Pakistan, he mentioned.
He further added that we have extended the visa list for journalists, traders and scholars in addition to softening the visa processing.
Quoting UN, he mentioned that millions of people are living below the poverty line and a vast majority of which them do not have access to potable drinking water, education and employment.
The situation in the rural areas is further grave and complex, he added.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan is playing very vital role in making SAARC an effective organization.
He said we want equal benefits for all SAARC member countries.
Pakistan, he said wants stability in the region and is cooperating with other countries in the communications, services, telecommunication and trade sectors.
We are utilizing all possible resources for improving the standard of living of the poor masses.
Mentioning of the previous SAARC conference in which vision of SAARC was presented, he said that Pakistan share the same vision and want solution of all issues in a peaceful manner.
Pakistan participated in South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) dialogue and the agreement was inked through the efforts of the Pakistani leadership and so far all SAARC member countries have ratified it.
Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri said that the agreement would be practically enforced from July 2006 onwards.
China and Japan have been given observer status in SAARC.
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