Pakistan reiterates safety of nuclear assets

Islamabad, Feb 6 (UNI) Pakistan today rejected international concerns about safety of its nuclear assets, saying they are ''very safe.'' ''The nuclear assets are very safe and there is no cause of concern in this regard,'' foreign office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq told a press briefing in Islamabad days after US administration signalled at vulnerablities of Pakistani nuclear assets.

On Pakistan's anti-terror contribution, he said that it had done a lot to counter the challenge of Al-Qaeda and terrorism.

''We gave more sacrifices that any other country,'' he said, adding ''The terrorism is a challenge to Pakistani society and internationally and we are very serious about it and making all out efforts to eliminate it.'' He again made it clear that Pakistan will not allow any foreign forces to operate on its soil. He said Pakistan 's security forces are fully capable to take action against terrorism and are engaged in combating the menace.

About a question about preparations for February parliamentary elections, he said the government has processed the visas' request of over five hundred foreign observers to monitor the election process and the polling.

These observers include from European Union and OIC countries. He said Democracy International, an organisation from US has also requested visas for thirty-five observers to monitor the elections.

He said EU has increased their number of observers from seventy to one hundred and ten. He said these monitors are free to visit Federal and provincial capitals. However, if they want to go beyond, security arrangements will be made.

UNI XC SZ ND1758