Pakistan said on Sunday that Sino-Pak civil nuclear cooperation is in accordance with the international norms and IAEA rules. “There is no violation. Sino-Pak civil nuclear cooperation is in accordance with the international norms and IAEA rules,” foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit said.
Mr Basit said that Sino-Pak cooperation regarding civilian nuclear technology “is not a matter of today” as both the countries are running the programme successfully for last many years and any demand of clarification in this regard is unjustified. To a question about Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s statement that Pakistan will have to clarify the position regarding Sino-Pak nuclear cooperation he said, the cooperation is totally according to our respective international responsibilities.
“The programme is purely for peaceful objectives and it is according to the safeguards of the IAEA,” Mr Basit said, adding, “If there is any apprehension or concern from any side, it is unjustified.” In Toronto, Dr Manmohan Singh expressed happiness over the success of the talks between India and Pakistan in Islamabad. Dr Singh said that Pakistan’s approach towards India has improved and New Delhi hopes to sustain the talks. He added that India would welcome the “Most Favoured Nation” status by Pakistan but also asked for clarification from Pakistan on its nuclear deal with China. India has been seeking better trade and economic ties with Pakistan, though no formal dates have been fixed on the trade talks.