Musharraf calls for flexibility on Iran nuclear row

ISLAMABAD, May 26 (Reuters) Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf called today for ''flexibility'' on all sides to settle the row over Iran's nuclear programme.

Pakistan, a key ally in the U.S.-led war on terrorism, faces a delicate balancing act to maintain its strategic ties with the United States and at the same time keep good relations with its western Muslim neighbour.

Speaking to visiting Iranian Vice President Parviz Davoudi, Musharraf said that while Pakistan supported Iran's right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, it was opposed to proliferation of nuclear weapons in the world.

''Pakistan would support efforts to reach an amicable settlement,'' he said, adding: ''It (is) important that confrontation be avoided and flexibility be shown by all sides.'' Davoudi stressed that Iran had no desire to acquire nuclear weapons and was ready to give more assurances to the international community.

The vice president arrived in Pakistan yesterday, following a day after Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki.

The two men held talks with Pakistani leaders and discussed ways and means to boost bilateral trade.

Analysts said the Iranian officials' visits could also be aimed at seeking support from regional countries in the face of mounting international pressure on Iran to halt its uranium enrichment work.

U.S. President George W. Bush said yesterday he would consider offering incentives to Iran if it agreed to abandon enrichment, which Washington and some of its Western allies believes is intended to produce a nuclear bomb.

Iran denies the charge, saying its nuclear programme is aimed at generating nuclear power to meet its energy needs.

Reuters