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| Afghanistan/South Asia |
| Pakistan links signing of NPT to its N-status (and more) |
| 2005-05-04 |
| ISLAMABAD — Pakistan yesterday reiterated that it would not sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) unless it is recognised as a nuclear weapon state. "We sign the NPT only as a nuclear weapon state," foreign office spokesman Jalil Abbas Jilani declared at his weekly news briefing while responding to newsmen's questions on Pakistan's stance at the upcoming UN meeting on the NPT. The spokesman dismissed reports that President Pervez Musharraf had assured Japanese Premier Junichiro Koizumi of his 'positive sentiments' towards Japan's quest for a permanent seat in UN Security Council (UNSC), during Koizumi's trip to Pakistan that ended on Sunday. Jilani said that Pakistan's position on UN reform package is that it is opposed to creating any new centres of privileges. "We articulated this position during meetings with Prime Minister Koizumi," he said while underpinning the excellent relations that exist between the two countries which received further impetus during the visit. Answering questions on latest statements by Pakistan's leaders including ruling party chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed that Kashmir dispute would be resolved by 2007, the spokesman said the impetus given to the dialogue process by top level meetings in recent months have given rise to optimism that the issue is nearing a resolution. "We hope that dispute would be resolved as soon as possible in keeping with the wishes of the people of Kashmir," Jilani said while dismissing the perception that Pakistan has given up its fundamental positions on the issue. He also rejected Kashmiri leader Syed Gillani's statement that the governments of India and Pakistan have already worked out a Kashmir plan which involved Pakistan's compromise on its basic stance. "There is no pre-conceived Kashmir plan," he said while reiterating that Pakistan is seeking to include the Kashmiri leadership in the process of evolving a settlement plan. He told a questioner that India-Pakistan talks on Siachen and Sir Creek would be held next week and reiterated that Pakistan wants implementation of the understanding reached in June 1989 for redeployment of troops in Siachen to their original positions that existed before start of new hostilities. |
| Posted by:Steve White |