Support to Indo-US N deal in NSG based on NPT consideration:Japan

New Delhi, Dec 8 (UNI) Ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Tokyo from December 13-16, Japan today did not explicitly rule out support to the Indo-US Nuclear Agreement at the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) but said it would be determined by its stance on non-proliferation and the objective of abolishing all nuclear arms.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told 'Outlook' in an interview in Tokyo that his ultimate objective was total abolition of nuclear arms.

''We are actively deploying our activities towards that end.

We place utmost importance on nuclear non-proliferation. Based on this stance I would like to have discussions with Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) during his visit to Japan next week,'' he said.

Dr Singh will visit Japan from December 13-16 for discussions on the Indo-US Nclear deal and trade and economic cooperation.

Japan is a member of the 45-member NSG whose nod is essential for the implementation of the July 18, 2005, agreement.

Describing as ''regrettable'' the proliferation activities of the G Q Khan Network in Pakistan, Mr Abe said the Pakistan government had denied any involvement in the proliferation of nuclear technology to North Korea.

''...our firm position is that possession of nuclear arms by North Korea will never be tolerated,'' he added.

UNI RB MSJ RAI2022