Deputy spokesperson says talks with Taliban an ‘internal matter’. PHOTO: FILE
Deputy spokesperson for the American embassy Sandeep K Paul has said that expert-level talks are in progress regarding the provision of civil nuclear technology by the United States to Pakistan. However, he did not specify a time frame for the outcome of the talks.
Speaking with Express News, he said the possibility of such an agreement between the two countries cannot be dismissed. There is no issue with Pakistan regarding the agreement on the provision of nuclear reactors to Pakistan by China, he said, adding the US has some reservations over China’s refusal to implement agreements made by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
Sandeep Paul said Pakistan’s relations with China are its internal issue. Pakistan can have relations with any country of the world that suits its national interest and the US has nothing to do with this, he reiterated. The US also does not have any position on Pakistan’s talks with Taliban as it is completely an internal matter, he said.
Paul said the US is investing $1 billion every year in sectors of energy, education, health and agriculture in Pakistan. The spokesperson said thermal power plants have been reconstructed with US aid in Pakistan and the country’s investment in sectors like natural gas, solar energy and wind energy continues. He added that the US is assisting in projects such as the Pak-Afghan-Turkmenistan gas pipeline and the supply of electricity from Central Asia to Pakistan. The US has reservations on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, he stated and while sanctions on Iran have been eased, they have not been lifted.
He said the US wants to see stability, prosperity and safety in this region and remarked that Pakistan’s relations with India and Afghanistan can be improved gradually. He added that good relations between Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan are a prerequisite for economic development of all three countries and are also in the interest of the US.
The US has serious concerns regarding violent attacks on journalists and violations of human rights in Pakistan, Paul said.
US investment in Pakistan is in the interest of both the countries. Any improvement in Pakistan’s economy will increase its trade with the US and if the US assists Pakistan, its trade will grow, Paul said, adding that the US is aiming for a long-term relationship with Pakistan. He refuted the allegation the US’s priorities regarding Pakistan will change as Nato troops pull out of Afghanistan this year.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 21st, 2014.
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However, he did not specify a time frame for the outcome of the talks. . With good reason. There is zero chance that the US Congress would approve a nuke deal with Pakistan ... executive branch had a hard enough time getting a nod from Congress over doing nuke deal with India and they didn't have a history of nuke proliferation, OBL, providing sanctuary to the Haqqani or all the other baggage that has resulted in Pakistan having a worse reputation than N Korea.
Pakistan is a country which is geographically and strategically a blessed one. Thats why it is an important country for USA and other neighboring countries in their policy making and implementation. Being a front line ally of USA in fighting a lethal war against terrorism it must be awarded, it has compromised its forces in this war and also sacrificed civilians in drone strikes in order to curb the global threat of terrorism. Pakistan is a energy deficient country and is in dire need to develop reforms for the generation of power and making the country to come back on the track of development and prosperity. If USA inked a deal with Pakistan of civilian nuclear technology then it would be beneficial in making Pakistan to come out of energy crisis and for USA as a member to stabilize the regional strategic balance.
The prosperity and development of Pakistan is in the benefits of many countries. Pakistan has been a part and parcel with US in its GWOT. The country suffered a lot in the name of terrorism. But its efforts have always been viewed with questions and skepticism all around the world. US realize this very well that Pakistan is an integral country in its security policy. The role of Pakistan in setting up the Afghan stability is undeniable.
Being front-line state in war against terrorism and most suffered state Pakistan deserves to be assisted in power sector. The reason is to meet growing energy demands and to minimize the huge gape between energy production and consumption. If US can make nuclear deal with India, than it can make similar agreement with Pakistan which is more energy starving nation than India.
The above account reveals that Pakistan is a significant country in the US policy making whether US accepts this or not particularly in its exist strategy from Afghanistan. The development and prosperity of the country spills over through the region which can be pivotal in strengthening security situation of the country. It would be helpful in upgrading the economic situation which can put a healthy impact on countering terrorism.
United States should offer Pakistan a civilian nuclear deal as a way to protect the relationship, relentlessly tested during the last decade, as well as to secure long-term interests with regard to containing militancy and atomic safety. By concluding a civil nuclear deal with Pakistan US government will gain greater knowledge of Pakistan's nuclear safety and security.
If solving Pakistan's power crisis should be a priority in Washington, then electricity starved population will be obliged to the US As the deal would offer technology and fuel for energy generation then it could be the carrot essential for Pakistan to secure US strategic interests. Likewise, such deal will come under IAEA aegis and the transparency will ensue.
Energy is linked with economic prospects and the energy security comprised of availability, accessibility, acceptability and affordability. Nuclear power enhances energy security and it helps to preserve the natural environment.
Pakistan is an energy-deficient country, and thus need a non-discriminatory, criteria-based approach to access nuclear technology. Pakistan must be given equal rights and responsibilities in this regard, as its experience in the nuclear power programme provided an auspicious environment to further develop nuclear power generation capacity.
Energy security, the ability of a nation to secure sustainable energy supplies to meet its energy needs at reasonable prices, has become a major energy policy imperative. If India can be accommodated in the nuclear energy market despite not agreeing to accede to the non-proliferation treaty, and given a waiver to trade by the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Pakistan should not be an exception.