US to consider n-pact with Pak

Notwithstanding India’s reservations, the US on Tuesday said it would “consider” Pakistan’s request for a civil nuclear deal as it wanted to help the country meet its immediate and long-term energy needs.

Ahead of the crucial bilateral strategic dialogue between the US and Pakistan on Wednesday, the secretary of state, Ms Hillary Clinton, made it clear that the issue of energy would be one of the subjects of discussion but refused to pre-judge the outcome of the talks.

“I am sure that’s going to be raised, and we are going to be considering it, but I can’t pre-judge or pre-empt what the outcome of our discussions will be,” Ms Clinton said when asked whether Pakistan can have a civil nuclear deal with the US similar to the one Washington has with India.

“On the energy issues there are more immediate steps that could be taken. We want to help Pakistan with immediate and long term needs,” Ms Clinton said. Ever since the US signed the nuclear deal with India, Pakistan has been repeatedly seeking similar cooperation. However, the previous Bush administration had refused to entertain the request arguing that the non-proliferation records of India and Pakistan were not comparable.

The first indications of the US’ willingness to discuss civil nuclear cooperation with Pakistan came two days back from US ambassador to Islamabad, Ms Anne Patterson, who said that America’s non-proliferation concerns were beginning to pass and nuclear cooperation is a scenario that can be explored.