U.S seeks direct access to Pakistan nukes!

Braznor

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 2005
4,497
349
126
Text

US seeks direct access to Pakistan's N-arsenal



Amid Western concerns about the safety of Pakistan's nuclear aresenal, the United States has sought direct access to the body controlling the country's nuclear assets for an American official to be posted at its embassy in Islamabad.

The US State Department sent a proposal to the Pakistan government after a set of 11 demands dispatched earlier by Washington to Islamabad regarding the deployment of American military personnel in the country, were refused by Pakistani authorities.

The latest request from Washington had suggested that the official who would be permanently posted in the US embassy in Islamabad to deal with nuclear issues should have direct access to the National Command Authority Secretariat, The News reported on Monday.

The earlier request had wanted American citizens sent by the US government to be treated above Pakistan's national law.

Leading security analyst Shireen Mazari, the head of the Institute of Strategic Studies, said this latest move by the US was "perhaps the most dangerous effort at intruding into Pakistan's sensitive areas in the ongoing effort to gain direct access to nuclear-strategic matters."

The new request has come at a time when senior US officials who recently visited Pakistan had expressed satisfaction over the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear assets, the report said.

US embassy spokesperson Elizabeth Colton did not reject the US proposal outright, but told The News: "We are in touch with all elements of the Pakistan government all the time. But we do not publish or discuss details of our diplomatic discussions and assignments."

Mazari said the new proposal was made through verbal contact via an assistant secretary-level official.

"This proposal, again, was not routed through either the foreign or defence ministries, but a direct approach was made to the NCA. Apparently, so far Pakistan has not given any response but it would be quite appropriate to be concerned about such a US move, especially since transparency is not available at our end on such issues," she said.

Defence analyst Lt Gen (retired) Talat Masood said this was an "outright interference" in Pakistan's affairs.

"On what basis does the US want direct access to the NCA? Does the US have any particular fears or apprehensions?The US laws do not allow any transfer of nuclear technology or assets to Pakistan, so why should there be any such officer in the US embassy in Islamabad?" he asked.

I told you all it was coming. :thumbsup:
 

JJChicken

Diamond Member
Apr 9, 2007
6,168
16
81
Originally posted by: Aimster
can u post a credible source

Rediff is a reasonably credible source. It's a big south asian news site. Maybe wait till tomorrow for FOX?
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
42,591
5
0
Title is slightly misleading.

The US is requesting a liason to the proper command in charge of the nukes.

They are not requesting access to the nukes themselves.
 

Lemon law

Lifer
Nov 6, 2005
20,984
3
0
Common Courtesy is probably correct but I still fail to see it going anywhere. Its still insulting to Pakistan and can only lead to more US demands for control at exactly the time when US competence in the region is dubious at best.

It still boils down to great white father knows best when let George do it is backfiring at the speed of light.
 

Braznor

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 2005
4,497
349
126
Originally posted by: Lemon law
Common Courtesy is probably correct but I still fail to see it going anywhere. Its still insulting to Pakistan and can only lead to more US demands for control at exactly the time when US competence in the region is dubious at best.

It still boils down to great white father knows best when let George do it is backfiring at the speed of light.

Perhaps it is insulting to Pakistan, but it is essential for the security of the region.
 

ayabe

Diamond Member
Aug 10, 2005
7,449
0
0
Are we going to replace the components with old pinball machine parts?

Otherwise what's the point?
 

Braznor

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 2005
4,497
349
126
Originally posted by: Common Courtesy
Title is slightly misleading.

The US is requesting a liason to the proper command in charge of the nukes.

They are not requesting access to the nukes themselves.

Oops. I was just quoting the article itself.
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
42,591
5
0
Originally posted by: Braznor
Originally posted by: Common Courtesy
Title is slightly misleading.

The US is requesting a liason to the proper command in charge of the nukes.

They are not requesting access to the nukes themselves.

Oops. I was just quoting the article itself.

Semi honest mistake - much better than some others here that make up a title