A top American lawmaker has advised US President Barack Obama against inking any civil nuclear deal with Pakistan after asserting the country has been repeatedly “deceptive and deceitful”.
“Simply put, Pakistan’s current and past record is disqualifying for any consideration by the US to support civil nuclear cooperation with Pakistan bilaterally or in any relevant multilateral forum,” Congressman Ted Poe said in a letter to Obama, according to the Times of India.
Poe who heads a Congressional subcommittee on terrorism and non-proliferation urged Obama to not engage in any negotiations regarding a US-Pak civil nuclear agreement. “Pakistan has repeatedly proven itself to be deceptive and deceitful,” he warned.
“Not only does this country continue to harbour terrorist troops and interests in Afghanistan, they have yet to come clean about previous nuclear dealings with countries like Iran,” he added in the letter.
Further, the Congressman asserted, “I’ve long called for an end to military aid to this nation that just takes our money and uses it against our interest.”
“Supporting a civilian nuclear agreement with Pakistan – a Benedict Arnold ally of the US – while the Pakistani government continues to demonstrate it cannot be trusted would be irresponsible and dangerous,” he added.
Strong concern was expressed throughout the letter about reports pertaining to the possibility that the US is engaged in policy discussions, and possible bilateral negotiations, with Pakistan; related to its nuclear programme which may include US support for a US-Pakistan civil nuclear agreement, relaxation of Nuclear Suppliers Group export controls and possibly also NSG membership.
The remarks came after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in Washington on an official four-day visit where he is set to hold dialogue on a number of issues of bilateral interests President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and other US cabinet members.