US undecided on offering nuke deal to Pak

Amid speculations that the United States might offer Pakistan a civil nuclear deal similar to India during the upcoming strategic dialogue on March 24, the US embassy in Islamabad has rejected such reports, saying there are no negotiations on between the two countries on the issue.

"The US has not entered negotiations on a civil nuclear agreement with Pakistan. The United States is committed to helping Pakistan address its real and growing energy needs, and we look forward to cooperating with Pakistan in ways that are compatible with Pakistan's economic, environmental and security needs and with US international commitments and policies," a US Embassy spokesman told a private television channel.

Reports regarding the Obama administration offering a India-like nuclear deal to Islamabad gained momentum after US ambassador to Pakistan, in a interview with a newspaper, described the March 24 talks as "working level talks", and hinted a change of heart on part of Washington.

"We are beginning to have a discussion with the Pakistan Government on the country's desire to tap nuclear energy," Patterson had said. "Earlier on, non-proliferation concerns were quite severe. I think we are beginning to pass those and this is a scenario that we are going to explore," she added.

India has already expressed concerns over reports regarding the White House' overtures to Pakistan. "America needs to take a holistic view on the US-Pak nuclear deal. The US should consider Pakistan's track record before any deal," External Affairs Minister SM Krishna had said referring to the history of Pakistan's nuclear proliferation.