Iran denies receiving nuclear technology from Pakistan

27 Feb, 2004

Iran on Thursday categorically stated that it had not received any nuclear technology from Pakistan.
"We have not received anything from Pakistan," Secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, Hasan Rohani told newsmen, while responding to questions about transfer of nuclear technology by Pakistan to Iran.
Rohani said Iran had received some parts from a European dealer 14 years back, but did not know specifically where it was procured.
He said it was unfortunate that in the context of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), industrialised nations and the IAEA have not fulfilled their obligations of providing assistance to countries wanting access to peaceful nuclear technology.
Rohani also emphatically made it clear that Iran's decision to suspend uranium enrichment was a "voluntary action" and hence "provisional". "It is for the time being and not permanent," he added.
The Iranian leader, who called on Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra, hoped that the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) including India would extend "positive co-operation" to Iran at the IAEA.
To a query about the status of the proposed Iranian gas pipeline to India through Pakistan, he said discussions were revolving around whether it should be undertaken through the sea route or the land route.
Rohani said feasibility studies were underway in this regard. The two sides agreed to do everything they can to have these studies completed in the coming months. Once this was done, the two countries would be in a position to take final decisions, Rohani added.

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