Pakistan does not provide nuclear material to DPRK: Pakistani PM

The visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday in Seoul dismissed speculation that his country provided nuclear materials to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to help it develop nuclear weapons.

"We have had no contact whatsoever, directly or indirectly, with North Korea (DPRK) or any such issues," Aziz said in a speech to South Korean and Pakistani diplomats here.

"No linkage, no contact by any individual from Pakistan to North Korea has resulted in any additional capability in North Korea at all," the Pakistani premier said.

He acknowledged that there could have some individual and institutional contacts, but stressed that none of those contributed to any capability in the DPRK's nuclear weapons program, noting that his government shared with South Korea of all the details.

Aziz arrived in Seoul on Wednesday for a three-day visit at the invitation of his South Korean counterpart Lee Hae-chan.

Pakistan in early March admitted its nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan had sold Iran centrifuges, used to enrich uranium into either fuel for nuclear power plants or the explosive core of atom bombs.

International community also suspected Khan also involved in the illegal transferring nuclear secret to the DPRK.

In his speech, Aziz also stressed the importance of implementing a recent accord reached at the end of fourth round six-party nuclear talks, which outlined principles for the resolution of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

"It is imperative that all aspects of the understanding are implemented in letter and spirit," Aziz said in his speech. "This will enhance trust and confidence and ensure peace and security in the area."

On Sept. 19, delegations to the fourth round six-party nuclear talks from China, the United States, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea(DPRK), Russia, South Korea and Japan adopted a joint statement.

The DPRK agreed to abandon all its nuclear weapons and weapons- related programs and rejoin the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty ( NPT) as early as possible in exchange for security guarantees and economic benefits.

The DPRK also stated its right to have light-water reactors ( LWRs), while the other five countries agreed to discuss the issue "at an appropriate time".

Earlier Thursday, Aziz had a meeting with Lee Hae-chan. He will leave here on Friday.

Source: Xinhua