Pak seeks N-deal with France

Pakistan has sought civilian nuclear cooperation with France, which concluded a similar deal with India in February, 2006. Pakistan made the call before a four-member delegation of the French Senate Commission for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces, headed by Jean Francois-Poncet, former Foreign Minister that met Foreign Minister Khurshid M Kasuri, in the Foreign Office on Friday.

Kasuri briefed Senator Poncet about Pakistan's growing energy requirements in view of its rapid economic development and stressed the need for a non-discriminatory approach by all Nuclear Suppliers Group members including France towards cooperation with Pakistan in the civilian nuclear sector, a Foreign Office said in a statement.

Briefing the delegation on Pakistan's role as an anchor of peace and stability in the region, the Foreign Minister exchanged views over various regional issues, including composite dialogue with India and Afghanistan.

Kasuri also apprised Poncet about the dialogue process with India, aimed at addressing of all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.
He also briefed him about Pakistan's relations with Kabul, maintaining that a strong, stable and peaceful Afghanistan is in the interest of peace and stability in the region, it said.

The foreign minister briefed the delegation about Pakistan's efforts in the fight against terrorism and stressed that a holistic approach by the international community would be required to defeat the menace of terrorism that would combine diplomatic and political efforts with economic cooperation to strengthen institutions of civil society.

Senator Poncet, appreciating President Musharraf's vision of enlightened moderation, commended Pakistan's role in promoting peace and stability and rooting out extremism from its society, the statement added.

He also appreciated Pakistan's impressive economic development and stated that Pakistan is playing a credible role in regional peace, security and development.

He maintained that Pakistan can be a bridge between the West and the Muslim world to create better understanding and cooperation between the two.