Gilani urges world leaders to give Islamabad access to nuke technology for peaceful use

Seoul, Mar 27 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has urged the international community to give Islamabad access to nuclear technology for peaceful use on a non-discriminatory basis.

The Pakistan Observer quoted Gilani, as saying that nuclear technology is required to meet Pakistan's growing energy needs.

Gilani said Pakistan had taken effective measures at the national level to enhance nuclear security.

Referring to the importance of the second Nuclear Security Summit being held in Seoul, Gilani said: "As we meet here, we break new ground on the evolving global nuclear security architecture, the role of the IAEA, and protection of nuclear materials and radioactive sources."

"Our concerns on these vital issues put a roadmap in our hands for concerted national actions and international coordination to enhance nuclear security," he added.

Gilani highlighted the fact that the IAEA Board of Governors had last year unanimously approved a safeguards agreement for two civil nuclear power plants of Pakistan, which showed the international community's continued confidence in the safety and security standards maintained by Islamabad.

He added that in South Asia, Pakistan was pursuing strategic restraint and confidence building through dialogue and this process should guarantee security and stability in the region.

He said Pakistan had been active in international diplomacy to promote nuclear security.

"We have supported the work of the global initiative to combat nuclear terrorism and our reports to the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 Committee have shared details of the measures we have taken to secure sensitive materials and technologies," he said. (ANI)