Pak `concerned` over Indo-Russia nuclear, defence deals

Rezaul H Laskar
Islamabad, Dec 21 (PTI) Pakistan on Tuesday expressed
concern at nuclear and defence agreements signed by India and
Russia, saying the accords will create instability in the
region.
Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit described the
agreements as "dangerous" for the region and said they would
lead to a regional imbalance.
"Pakistan is not oblivious of its defence," Basit told
the media when he was asked about Islamabad's response to the
pacts.
Following talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in New Delhi on Tuesday,
a deal for the design of advanced fifth generation fighter
aircraft (FGFA) at an estimated cost of USD 295 million is
among 30 pacts inked by India and Russia in several key areas
such as defence and civil nuclear sector to impart new impetus
to their "special and privileged" ties.
The two leaders also discussed construction of
additional Russian designed nuclear reactors at Kudankulam,
where two units are ready to be commissioned. While first unit
will be commissioned by end of this month or early next month,
the second unit will be commissioned by next year-end.
Medvedev also supported India as a "deserving and
strong candidate" for a permanent seat in the UN Security
Council as and when a decision for its expansion is taken.
Basit said Pakistan has always supported reforms in
the UN and efforts by India to get a permanent seat in the
Security Council will affect these reforms.
Pakistan is aware that the move by some countries to
get permanent seats in the UN Security Council is hindering
reforms, he said.
There are many countries which support Pakistan's
stand that the UN Security Council should function in a
democratic and transparent manner, he said.
Pakistan will pursue its stand and wants the dialogue
process on UN reforms to be transparent so as to make the
world body more active, he added. PTI