WASHINGTON, Nov 18: Pakistan cannot get a similar nuclear deal as India because that’s “a unique agreement with a unique country,” says US Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns.
In a video-conference with reporters, Mr Burns assured India that Washington would remove its concerns about some of the restrictions prescribed in the bill the US Senate approved on Thursday."A similar agreement with Pakistan is not going to be possible. This is a unique agreement with a unique country," Mr Burns said. "As we have said we would not be seeking similar relief to American law for any other country."
He declined to comment on reports that China has agreed to provide similar assistance to Pakistan as the US is offering to India. Reports in the US media, however, have suggested that President Bush will take this up with his Chinese counterpart when they meet.
On Friday, some Indian officials said they still had concerns about “the language” of the bill US Senate passed by 85 to 12 votes. They objected to some of “the prescriptions” the bill contains but did not explain.
Undersecretary Burns acknowledged that New Delhi had raised some questions about the certifications and amendments detailed in the bill.
Mr Burns said he had extensive discussions over telephone with India’s chief nuclear negotiator Shyam Saran following Thursday’s vote. "There are some questions the Indian government has raised about language and certifications. We are talking to lawmakers and we hope the conference will iron out any remaining issues," he said.
