US makes no clear commitment on N-deal

Washington, Mar 25: In a major disappointment for Pakistan, the nation has failed to get a clear commitment from US on securing a civilian nuclear deal on Thursday, Mar 25.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, at the end of the first of two days of a high-level strategic dialogue, only said that US would take into consideration the issues raised by the Pakistani delegation, including the nuclear deal.

"We have a broad agenda, with many complicated issues, like the one you referred to. Discussions are continuing through tomorrow. While I will not go into details of our bilateral conversation, we"ve said that we will listen to and engage with our Pakistani partners on whatever issues the delegation raises. We"re committed to helping Pakistan meet its real energy needs," she said.

Pakistan Foreign Minister put forward Pakistan's request for a civil nuclear agreement by asking for 'non-discriminatory access to vital energy resources' as Pakistan was struggling to overcome massive power cuts.

Addressing a joint press conference with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the end of first of the two days strategic dialogue, Clinton dodged the question about US plans on civil nuclear agreement with Pakistan.

"I was pleased to inform the Foreign Minister (Qureshi) that our goal is a multi-year security assistance package, including foreign military financing, based upon identified mutual strategic objectives, which would further strengthen our long-term partnership with Pakistan," she said.

"We of course will work closely with Congress to further develop this commitment," she said.

Clinton added that the importance of working on a multi-year basis has been discussed by a high-powered delegations from the two countries.

She said on Mar 26, both the countries would sign implementation agreements for three thermal power station rehabilitation projects that will increase the number of people in Pakistan getting electricity.

Clinton said that US was striving towards ensuring affordable and reliable power to the people of Pakistan, which is essential in boosting economic development.

OneIndia News