France offers civilian N-technology to Pakistan Paris backs India-style deal; Zardari briefs Sarkozy on
counter-insurgency efforts; 12m euros for IDPs announced
Saturday, May 16, 2009
PARIS: French President Nicolas Sarkozy told his Pakistani counterpart Asif Zardari that he wanted the Muslim country to have a wide-ranging deal to buy nuclear equipment like the one obtained by its rival India, Pakistan said on Friday.
France has agreed to transfer civilian nuclear technology to Pakistan ... They have agreed that Pakistan should be treated like India, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told reporters after President Zardari met Sarkozy.
President Sarkozy said, and I quote him, What can be done for India can be done for Pakistan as well. This is a major development, Qureshi said after the meeting in Paris between Sarkozy and President Asif Ali Zardari.
Briefing the media on the meeting, Foreign Minister Qureshi said the negotiations regarding the transfer of civil nuclear technology will be held in July this year and a new framework agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is likely to be signed during the visit of the French president to Pakistan in September.
Qureshi said France had also agreed to provide 300 million Euros in assistance to Pakistan in addition to 12 million Euros for the internally displaced persons fleeing the Swat unrest.He spoke of Pakistans keenness to further develop and strengthen both its existing trade and commercial ties as well as defence relations with France, which is an important country within the European Union.
Qureshi described France as a very important trading partner of Pakistan and expressed his countrys desire to upgrade its relations in different sectors.Qureshi spoke about the next months EU-Pakistan summit in Brussels and was hopeful that France would support his country in getting greater market access for its produce.
The minister said in his recent talks with his British counterpart David Miliband in London, the UK had promised to extend similar support to Pakistan.An official in the Sarkozys office said France wanted Pakistan to improve its nuclear security but did not comment on the idea of an India-style deal.
The president confirmed that we are prepared ... to cooperate with Pakistan in the area of nuclear safety, he said. Qureshi dismissed concerns about the safety of Pakistans nuclear arsenal and its proliferation history. Like India, Pakistan has also not signed up the NPT. We will assure the world that we are an important and a responsible nuclear power and we can handle these matters without threatening or endangering anyone, he said.
Pakistan has no issues with the IAEA. We are willing to give international guarantees. We want the world to feel secure, and Pakistan will give all necessary guarantees, Qureshi said when asked about the feasibility of a Pakistani nuclear deal.
The world recognises the steps Pakistan has taken to assure and protect its nuclear assets. Everyone who matters is confident about our arrangements, the three-layer security system that we have put in place.
Asked when French shipments might begin, he said: Today, in principle, the two countries agreed that there is a necessity that has to be fulfilled. In principle theyve agreed, and now the modalities will be worked out.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari held extensive talks with his French counterpart Nicholas Sarkozy soon after his arrival in the French capital, covering the entire range of relations between Pakistan and France.
It is President Zardaris first visit to France since he assumed the office.The two leaders reviewed the bilateral ties, regional security with focus on the situation in Afghanistan, the military operation in parts of the NWFP and matters of mutual concern.
Zardari said President Nicolas Sarkozy had been very generous during their meeting at the Elysee Palace. He said the French pledge was just a ìstartî but did not say how much more money France might give.
ìWeve come to an understanding for a larger cooperation for the strengthening of Pakistan, strengthening of the war going on in (the Swat Valley) and for a much better understanding bilaterally for the future together,î Zardari said.
Sarkozy emphasised the need for Pakistan to pursue its efforts against the Taliban and pledged to help Zardari in the fight against terrorism, said a presidential statement released after the meeting.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy extended support of his government in the war on terror and said his country was fully aware of the problems confronting the region, and was looking forward to contributing effectively to their resolution. The two leaders agreed to continue cooperation in all areas. President Zardari sought the assistance of his French counterpart in getting access for Pakistan to the EU markets. Later, in a brief chat with the media, the president said both the countries focussed on the need for having broader cooperation in all areas.
Answering a question, the president rejected any threat to democracy in the country. About the timing of the operation against the militants, he said it was in fact aimed at a certain mindset and would continue.
France offers civilian N-technology to Pakistan Paris backs India-style deal; Zardari briefs Sarkozy on