Security of Pak nukes still cause of concern: US NSA

Hong Kong, May 6 (ANI): The security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is still cause of concern for Washington despite reassurances that the weapons are out of reach of Taliban militants, US National Security Adviser Gen. (retired) James Jones said.

General James Jones said in an interview with the BBC that Pakistan's army had told him that the country's nuclear stockpile was safe, but that Washington needed further guarantees.

"We have received many assurances from the military that this is something they have under control but this is very much an ongoing topic," the Dawn quoted him, as saying.

"The world would like to know that on this question, that there's absolute security and transparency," he added.

Speaking in Washington, where Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari is due to meet US President Barack Obama this week, Jones said 'things are moving in a more positive direction' in Pakistan, but said more guarantees were needed.

"If Pakistan doesn't continue in the direction that it presently is and we're not successful there then, obviously, the nuclear question comes into view," he said. (ANI)