UN sanctions not to affect Pakistan-Iran ties

Islamabad, Dec 25 (UNI) Pakistan has said the UN Security Council resolution slapping sanctions on Iran will not affect economic ties between the two countries.

Dawn newspaper quoted Pakistan foreign ministry spokeswoman Tasneem Aslam as saying here, the resolution will have no impact on Iran-Pakistan economic relations because ''we do not have any transactions with Iran in the nuclear sector.'' ''Our economic ties with Iran will continue,'' she categorically added.

The spokesperson ruled out the possibility of the sanctions affecting the Iran-Pakistan-India(IPI) gas pipeline project.

On Pakistan's stand on the resolution adopted by the UNSC against Iran, Ms Aslam was non-committal and said, ''We are still examining it.'' However, she said, ''We still want to see a negotiated settlement of the issue.'' The spokesperson declined to comment on Iran's reaction to the sanctions or the US calls for tougher sanctions.

Pakistan, which has faced a lot of sanctions has consistently maintained thaat such steps are counterproductive.

Apparently the nuclear issue was one of the key topics of discussion at Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri's meetings with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, his Iranian counterpart and Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani during his recent visit to the country.

The Iranian leadership strongly defended Tehran's right to peaceful use of nuclear technology, making it clear that nothing could deter them from pursing it.

Pakistan has been advocating a negotiated and diplomatic settlement of the issue within the IAEA framework, saying it is strongly opposed to any coercive measures or the use of force against Iran as it would endanger regional security and stability.

Pakistan's position has been that all parties should adhere to their international obligations and their rights should also be respected and has also stressed the need for a negotiated settlement of the issue.

UNI XC PA VC1532