"China's decision to supply Pak two N-reactors violates NSG rules"

Washington, Oct 24 : A US Congressman, who was known for his criticism of the recently signed Indo-US nuclear deal, has said that China's decision to supply two nuclear reactors to Pakistan was in violation of the international trade rules established by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)".

He also said that China's resolve would also damage the international non-proliferation regime.

According to the Daily Times, in a letter written to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice earlier this week, Markey warned that the Chinese decision will "further destabilise South Asia".

Earlier, Markey had strongly opposed the Indo-US Nuke deal but could not find enough support in the US Congress to block the Indo-US bill, which has since been signed into law by President Bush.

He maintained that the Pakistan deal with China was "a direct consequence of the one Washington signed with New Delhi".

In the letter, he wrote he wanted to know if the US had told Pakistan and China that provision of a nuclear reactor other than Chashma I and II would violate NSG guidelines.

The lawmaker also asked if the US would force China to abandon the deal with Pakistan, once it confirms that the latest Chinese offer to Pakistan violates NSG guidelines. He also wished to know if the US was going to raise this issue at the next NSG meeting in November this year.

ANI