Pakistan welcomes statement of Condoleezza Rice
'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Wednesday welcomed the statement of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice about the indication of willingness of the United States to talk to Iran on the nuclear issue.

Foreign Office Spokesman Sohail when asked to comment on the statement of Rice said, “The statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice indicating willingness of the United States to talk to Iran along with European Union-three is a positive development that we hope would lead to reduction of tension and negotiations for a diplomatic solution of the Iranian nuclear issue.”

The Spokesman said, “Pakistan has always supported a diplomatic solution of this problem and opposed resort to the use of force.”

He said, “We have emphasized that all parties must abide by their international obligations and no effort should be spared to find a negotiated solution.”

The Spokesman said, “While we are firmly against nuclear proliferation, we support Iran’s right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under IAEA safe-guards.”●