Pak. clarifies Musharraf remarks on NMD

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, MAY 15. In what could be construed as reversal of its position, Pakistan today said the remarks made by the Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, three days ago about fears of a new nuclear and missile race had nothing to do with the National Missile Defence programme of the United States.

At a press conference here, the Foreign Minister, Mr. Abdul Sattar, said Gen. Musharraf's observations were general in nature and were not related to the events of the last two weeks. ``What Gen. Musharraf has said is the known principled stand of Pakistan as well as a large number of members of the United Nations. Pakistan as well as several other countries has valued the strategic balance among the greater powers (United States and Russia) on account of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) of 1972. So we are opposed to any statement that might upset the strategic balance,'' Mr. Sattar said.

On the statement of the Chinese spokesperson that during his discussions with the visiting Chinese Prime Minister, Mr. Zhu Rongji, the Chief Executive had broached the subject of NMD and apprised him of Islamabad's position on it, the Minister said Gen. Musharraf had only explained the country's principled stand.

The press conference was called to apprise the media about the highlights of the just-concluded visit of the Chinese Prime Minister. The Finance Minister, Mr. Shaukat Aziz, also present on the occasion, was asked if Pakistan's position on NMD did not hurt its interests vis-a-vis the international financial agencies it had approached for loans and aid.

Mr. Aziz said the negotiations with the international financial agencies for loans and aid were on the basis of economic parameters and the economic performance of the Musharraf Government. ``Other issues have no role.''

It is indeed a tight-rope walk for Pakistan on the NMD given its friendship with China and its dependence on international financial agencies to bail it out of its tough economic situation. The United States' control over these financial institutions is well-known.

Another factor that could have prompted the military establishment to soften its position on the NMD is Mr. Sattar's visit to Washington in June for discussions on matters of mutual interest.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Front Page
Previous : India, Malaysia to intensify trade ties
Next     : Rao delayed HC verdict, Advani tells Liberhan