Pakistan could face damaging consequences if it opts for IP gas pipeline: Clinton

US Secretary State says that Pakistan could face consequences under the Iran Sanctions Act for the pipeline.

WASHINGTON: The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that America has made it clear to Pakistan that if it goes ahead with the proposed Iran-Pakistan pipeline, it could face consequences as underlined in the Iran Sanctions Act.

Addressing the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations in Washington, Secretary Clinton said that they supported the alternative of a pipeline via Turkmenistan.

Clinton’s remarks were in response to a Congressman Rep. Lewis asking the US Secretary of State why the budget request for the State Department included a $1 billion request to help Pakistan address its energy problems. Secretary Clinton said that the Turkmenistan pipeline was a better alternative, predictable and will avoid business with Iran.

She added that embarking on the construction of a Pak-Iran pipeline is in violation of the Iran Sanctions Act. She said, “We all know what the consequences of that law are.” The US Secretary of State added that this move would be particularly damaging for Pakistan because the country’s economy is already shaky, and would further undermine Pakistan’s economic status.

“We have been very clear in pointing out the consequences of building this pipeline.”