ISLAMABAD, April 3: Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri said on Monday that Pakistan opposed the use of “coercive measures” against Iran over its controversial pursuit of a uranium enrichment programme.

“The issue needs to be resolved through amicable and peaceful means,” said Mr Kasuri at the end of a round of talks with his Omani counterpart Yousaf Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah.

Mr Yousaf said that Oman and Pakistan had identical views on a host of regional and international issues. On Iran’s nuclear issue, both Pakistan and Oman reiterated their positions, calling for a peaceful settlement of the controversy.

The Omani minister said his country was working with Iran and “friends in the West” to try to avert a crisis. Last week, the UN Security Council set a 30-day deadline for Iran to suspend all its uranium enrichment.

Mr Yousaf said the matter was complicated but insisted that “there were ways, if time was given, to reach an amicable solution”. —APP

Iftikhar A. Khan adds: Mr Yousaf said that Gwadar remained a priority for Oman but pointed out that the project did not pose any challenge to his country’s economy.

“We are working to ensure that Gwadar port and the Industrial Port of Oman complement each other and contribute towards development of the two countries,” he said.

He said Oman had already announced a package of $100 million for the development of Gwadar. Of this, $20 million has already been spent, while the remaining $80 million will be utilised for projects upon completion of the town planning phase.

In response to a question, he said that although Balochistan had huge prospects for prosperity the whole area was experiencing turmoil. “Our aim is to achieve peace and stability,” he remarked.