EU expresses concern over proliferation of nuclear technology

NEW DELHI (AFP) Feb 16, 2004
The European Union said Monday it was worried about the proliferation of nuclear weapons technology by scientists from countries such as Pakistan and called for an international debate on the issue.

"This is an international issue. Many nationalities were involved and (it) needs to dealt with collectively," said Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen, who led a European Union mission on a day-long visit to India.

Cowen's comments to reporters in New Delhi came after the architect of Pakistan's nuclear programme, A.Q. Khan, admitted earlier this month his involvement in black-market operations trading in nuclear information.

Khan said he leaked nuclear secrets to Iran, North Korea and Libya.

Cowen, whose country currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, said the EU feared the technology proliferated by scientists like Khan could fall into the "wrong hands."

The EU has repeatedly called on India, Israel and Pakistan to sign "unconditionally" the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

The EU delegation also welcomed the start of talks Monday between India and Pakistan in Islamabad aimed at ending their half-century-long confrontation over the Himalayan region of Kashir.

WAR.WIRE