NSG Membership : Pakistan intensifies diplomatic lobbying for NSG Slot
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WASHINGTON: Pakistan Ambassador to the United States, Jalil Abbas Jilani met US Senator Ed Markey at the Capitol Hill and discussed Pakistan's application for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Discussing matters relating to global nuclear non-proliferation, the Ambassador highlighted Pakistan's credentials for the NSG membership and briefed Senator Markey on the steps taken by Pakistan for its mainstreaming in the nuclear non-proliferation regime including harmonization of Pakistan's export controls with the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
He also informed the senator about Pakistan's adherence to the NSG guidelines with regard to transfer of nuclear material, equipment and related technology.
Discussing Pakistan's application for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Ambassador Jilani informed Senator Markey that Pakistan's desire to participate in the NSG stands on solid grounds of technical experience, capability and well-established commitment to nuclear safety.
They exchanged views on adopting a non-discriminatory and equitable approach for membership of the NSG. Matters related to strategic stability in South Asia also came up for discussion.
The Obama administration is supporting India's inclusion in the NSG but the Editorial Board of America's most influential newspaper, the New York Times, in a recent editorial warned that India does not deserve to become member of the Nuclear Supply group.
However Pakistan has continued its diplomatic efforts to muster support for the membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
In this regard, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz also phoned Sebastian Kurz, Foreign Minister of Austria and Mevlut Cavusoglu, Foreign Minister of Turkey, said a press release.
The Adviser underscored Pakistan’s credentials for NSG membership and emphasized the importance of non-discriminatory approach on NSG expansion to non-NPT states.
Pakistan is making all possible efforts to get support of Nuclear Supplier Group member countries as PM Advisor to foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz has also established telephonic contacts with ambassadors of Russia, Korea and New Zealand to support Pakistan for membership.
As per details, Pakistan stance has been supported by all three ambassadors as Pakistan has asked to follow indiscriminate way for the membership of NSG for all countries while Pakistan request for inclusion in the group has also been endorsed by ambassadors.
Meanwhile, NSG member countries envoys were briefed by Additional Foreign Secretary Tasneem Aslam. She informed them that Pakistan has moved application for NSG membership on strong basis.
Pakistan technical experience, capabilities and determination to non-proliferation of nuclear arms were obvious, Tasneem Aslam explained adding that any relaxation in terms and conditions for membership would negatively impact on strategic stability of the region.
In its continued diplomatic efforts towards mobilizing support for Pakistan’s application for the Nuclear Suppliers Group’s membership, Adviser to PM on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz also spoke over telephone with Foreign Minister of Argentina, Ms. Susana Malcorra.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here, the Adviser highlighted Pakistan’s credentials for NSG membership and emphasized the importance of a non-discriminatory approach on NSG expansion to non-NPT states.
The Argentinean Foreign Minister apprised the Adviser that Ambassador Rafael Mariano Grossi, who is the current Chairman of the NSG, has fully briefed her on the issues involved.
However the final decision over the membership applications of Pakistan and India would be taken on June 24 Seoul meeting of the powerful 48 Nations Cartel.
In the earlier Vienna preliminary meeting of the NSG group China, Turkey, Austria, New Zealand and South Africa had raised objections over Indian application that being not a member of NPT, India does not fall into the criteria of being the NSG member.
Pakistan stance in this regard is that if India being a non NPT member is given waiver in this regard then Pakistan is also entitled for the same waiver as both the countries fall in the same criteria.
