09 January 2004	Friday	16 Ziqa'ad 1424

ISLAMABAD, Jan 8: The Libyan president's son Saiful Islam Qadhafi has denied reports that Pakistan or its nuclear scientists were involved in transferring nuclear technology to Libya.

In a statement, he said the question of acquiring nuclear technology did not arise as Libya, due to sanctions, was compelled to even purchase ordinary commodities from black market.

He said that when he was earlier asked a question pertaining to any cooperation between Pakistan and Libya in the nuclear field, he had said: "It is possible that the Libyan and Pakistani traders may have made some contacts, but this does not at all mean that Pakistan as a state or its scientists were involved."

He reiterated that there was no such involvement of Pakistan or its scientists. He said Libyan President Muammar Qadhafi had expressed his concern over the matter and feared that some "vested interests" were bent upon creating rift between Pakistan and Libya.

He called for enhanced cooperation between the two countries so that no one could take advantage of the situation. Saiful Islam said cooperation between the two countries was important to thwart the nefarious designs of the enemies of the two countries.

He quoted the Libyan leader as saying that "Pakistan's nuclear programme was a source of pride for the entire Ummah." "Therefore it is out of question that Libya will try to cause any harm to Pakistan's nuclear programme or scientists," he said.

He said a number of countries were targeting Pakistan and were desperate to deprive it of its nuclear programme.-APP