[PEN-L:29556] Pakistan reject UN inspection of nuclear plants

["ken hanly" <khanly@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

So how come Pakistan isnt part of the axis of evil and attacked for
developing weapons of mass destruction and ignoring the UN?

Cheers, Ken Hanly

Pak rejects UN inspection of N-plants


UPI [ SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2002  11:16:44 AM ]

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will not allow UN monitors to inspect its nuclear
facilities, President Pervez Musharraf said Thursday.


In an interview with Russia's Izvestia newspaper, Musharraf also ruled out
the possibility of a nuclear war between India and Pakistan.


"Our nuclear facilities are fully secure and there's no need for inspection
by UN experts," the official Associated Press of Pakistan news agency quoted
him as saying.


Musharraf said his country's nuclear capabilities were meant "only for
deterrence," dismissing speculation about a nuclear confrontation with rival
India as "irresponsible."


He repeated Pakistan's offer to sign a no-war pact with India, which, he
said, would "preclude all use of force in our region."


Asked if India and Pakistan would transfer their nuclear arsenals under the
international trusteeship, Musharraf said Pakistan had a robust command and
control system. "We, therefore, do not see the need or the possibility of
involving any other country in these matters."


Appreciating Russia's efforts to defuse tensions between India and Pakistan,
Musharraf said he was ready to enter into a "meaningful dialogue" with India
to address all outstanding issues. He regretted that New Delhi was avoiding
bilateral consultations. "We would, therefore, welcome a third-country role,
if not to mediate in our differences, then at least play the role of a
facilitator."


"We believe Russia can play this important role," he added.


Musharraf said he believed that suspected terrorist mastermind Osama bin
Laden and the Taliban leader Mullah Omar have both died but said he had no
evidence to prove it. "Nobody can be certain about their whereabouts," he
added.