US studying Pak-China nuclear deal

WASHINGTON (AFP) The United States said Monday it was carefully reviewing Chinas plans to build two civilian nuclear reactors in Pakistan, urging all nations to respect non-proliferation commitments. The China National Nuclear Corporation has agreed to finance two more civilian reactors at the Chashma site in Pakistan. China earlier built two reactors for Pakistan. But Beijing in 2004 entered the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a cartel of nuclear energy states that forbids exports to nations lacking strict safeguards by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg said that discussions were underway about the issue and the United States has not reached a final conclusion. But its something were obviously looking at very carefully, Steinberg said in response to a question at a forum at the Brookings Institution. I think its important to scrupulously honour these non-proliferation commitments, he said. Well want to continue to engage on the question, about whether this is permitted under the understandings of the IAEA.

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