News
Friday, April 09, 2010
US says focused on Pak energy needs, confident of nuclear safety
WASHINGTON: The US is focused on meeting Pakistan’s growing energy needs, the State Department said on Wednesday, indicating Washington’s openness to the possibility of future civilian nuclear cooperation with Islamabad.
“We are focused on Pakistan’s energy needs. But as we said last week, right now, that does not include the civilian nuclear energy,” Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs PJ Crowley said in response to a question at the daily briefing.
The spokesman’s comments echoed the Obama administration’s position on Islamabad’s quest for civilian nuclear deal since last month’s Strategic Dialogue between the two allies. Washington has not ruled out the idea of a future cooperation in civilian nuclear field but currently is assisting Pakistan with power generation programmes in other fields.
Crowley also reaffirmed US confidence in the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear assets. “I’m not going to break any new ground here. I think various US leaders have expressed confidence in the security of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons,” the spokesman said in response to questions by Indian journalists. The State Department’s comments follow President Obama’s firm expression of confidence in the security of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk