Islamabad, Aug 17: Pakistan will not allow UN monitors to inspect its nuclear facilities, President Pervez Musharraf said Thursday.
In an interview with Russia's 'Izvestia' newspaper, Musharraf also ruled out the possibility of a nuclear war between India and Pakistan.
"Our nuclear facilities are fully secure and there's no need for inspection by UN experts," the official Associated Press of Pakistan news agency quoted him as saying.
Musharraf said his country's nuclear capabilities were meant "only for deterrence," dismissing speculation about a nuclear confrontation with rival India as "irresponsible."
He repeated Pakistan's offer to sign a no-war pact with India, which, he said, would "preclude all use of force in our region."
Asked if India and Pakistan would transfer their nuclear arsenals under the international trusteeship, Musharraf said Pakistan had a robust command and control system. "We, therefore, do not see the need or the possibility of involving any other country in these matters."
Appreciating Russia's efforts to defuse tensions between India and Pakistan, Musharraf said he was ready to enter into a "meaningful dialogue" with India to address all outstanding issues. He regretted that New Delhi was avoiding bilateral consultations. "We would, therefore, welcome a third-country role, if not to mediate in our differences, then at least play the role of a facilitator."
"We believe Russia can play this important role," he added.
Musharraf said he believed that suspected terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden and the Taliban leader Mullah Omar have both died but said he had no evidence to prove it. "Nobody can be certain about their whereabouts," he added.
Bureau Report
