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Pak moots tough law to control nuke technology

Pakistan promised a new, tough law to guarantee that sensitive nuclear technology is not transferred to other countries. The announcement came ahead of a visit later today of US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott.

A story carried by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan quoted unnamed government officials as saying the government will open talks with Talbott with a ''positive attitude towards international (nuclear) non-proliferation concerns.''

However, the APP said Pakistan will be mindful of ''its vital national interests and the need to maintain credible nuclear deterrence against Indian aggression or blackmail.''

Talbott is to arrive in Pakistan later today from India, where he met Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and other senior Indian leaders, but made no progress on India signing key agreements like the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

Talbott is expected to press Pakistan as well to sign international treaties aimed at stopping the spread of nuclear weapons. Pakistan has indicated a willingness to sign the test ban treaty, but outrightly refuses to sign the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty unless India also signs. New Delhi has refused to sign the treaty.

According to the APP, the government will also bring in a new law that will strictly control the export of nuclear technology aimed at allaying fears that Pakistan's nuclear knowledge could be sold to other countries.

During his 24-hour visit to Pakistan, Talbott will meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief and hold talks with Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Shamshad Ahmed.

Talbott will also address the Institute of Strategic Studies tomorrow before he leaves for home.

UNI

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