WikiLeaks: France, UK voiced concern about Pakistan nuclear security

Diplomatic advisor to France president said Pakistan remains an "army in search of a country."

France and the United Kingdom had voiced concern about the security of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, according to diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks.

Diplomatic Advisor to President Nicolas Sarkozy Jean-David Levitte, in a meeting with then Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan and US Ambassador to France Charles Rivkin, had said that the government of France was reversing its “benign neglect” towards Pakistan but raised concerns about the security of Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent. Levitte and Holbrooke also agreed to approach the Chinese government separately to seek greater coordination on AfPak policy.

Levitte had said that Pakistan remains an “army in search of a country”. The cables further stated:

He asserted that the Pakistani army is well regarded by the Pakistani people when not in power, but that it fails when in power.  He further stated that PM Gilani is currently the “”civilian in charge”” but does not now seek the Presidency, nor does Nawaz Sharif, who views the current turbulent situation as an inopportune time to be President.  As a result, Levitte said that the consensus GOF view is that the Pakistani government will “”remain as-is”” in the near future.

Levitte said the government “not sure that the Pakistani nuclear deterrent is secure,” showing specific concern about the movement of nuclear weapons by the Pakistani military. He said France would  provide technical assistance to Pakistan on issues of nuclear safety, but firmly stated that they would not supply nuclear energy technology.

In another cable from 2009, the UK had also voiced concern about the safety and security of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. Mariot Leslie, Director General, Defence and Intelligence had said that China could play a big role in stabilising Pakistan. Leslie had said:

Pakistan has accepted nuclear safety help, but under the IAEA flag (albeit British technicians).  The Pakistanis worry that the US will drop in and take their nukes.

Cable Referenced: WikiLeaks no 226331, 223496

The full text of the cables can be read on Dawn.com, The Hindu and NDTV. WikiLeaks has previously released cables to other media organisations including Guardian and the New York Times.