Pak is a nuclear state, hence has responsibilities: US

U.S. National Security Adviser James Jones during a meeting in Moscow. File Photo: AP

Acknowledging Pakistan as a “nuclear state”, the Obama administration on Saturday said that the country has “enormous responsibilities” within the community of nations that have such weapons.

“As a nuclear state, Pakistan has enormous responsibilities within the community of nations that have nuclear weapons,” National Security Adviser, General (Retd) James Jones said while briefing foreign correspondents here.

Responding to a question, Mr. Jones said Pakistan is well aware of it (responsibilities of a nuclear state) and the US has been holding regular consultations on the issue with Islamabad.

“They are well aware of that. And we have regular consultations on those issues. I think the future of the Pakistan-US relationship is bright, and it transcends simply just problems associated with insurgents and nuclear weapons,” he said.

“We would like to see it evolve into the trade issues, better economic development and obviously as we try to work towards more peace and stability in South Asia.”

Mr. Jones was responding to a question that the general impression in Pakistan is that the US is basically interested in two issues, nuclear weapons and terrorism, in its relationship with Pakistan.

According to him, the relationship between Pakistan and the US is a very positive one and it will only grow in a positive direction in the future.

“The US will support the democratic processes that Pakistan is adhering to, and we will do everything we can to be a good friend and ally, especially to assist Pakistan in its own internal struggles in any way we can with regard to the insurgents that are operating in the border area,” Mr. Jones said.