Russia not against Pakistan’s NSG membership
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ISLAMABAD - Pavel Didkovsky, First Secretary at Russian Embassy, underlined the possibility of a criteria based approach for inclusion of non-NPT states in Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
He said Russia along with China and others were working for a formula that could be acceptable to all.
Didkovsky said Russia was not opposed to Pakistan’s NSG candidature and had no intension to block it. He praised steps taken by Pakistan for strengthening its national export control program that complied with the spirit of international regimes and conventions.
He also acknowledged the efforts undertaken by Pakistan for stability in the region including unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing and its support for Russian position on prevention of arms race in outer space.
President SVI Dr Zafar Iqbal Cheema said the arms race in the region was being led by India, which has great power aspirations. India, he said, acquired nuclear submarines, anti-ballistic missile shield, cruise missile and other destabilizing weapon systems, compelling Pakistan to come up with responses out of its security imperatives.
He pointed towards Indian unwillingness to enter into a regional or bilateral arrangement with Pakistan to curb the arms race.
