China to help Pak build n-reactors

Though a deal on the lines of the Indo-US civil nuclear deal with China, which the media had speculated was on the cards, proved elusive, the Foreign Minister ruled out a move to conclude such a pact. But he said that Beijing had spoken out against the 8220;discriminatory nature8221; of that agreement.

China had also said that there should not be any discrimination against Pakistan, which should get a similar nuclear deal, he said.

Qureshi said the agreement provided for building two new reactors at the Chashma nuclear complex that would generate 680 MW of electricity.

The Foreign Minister parried questions on whether Pakistan and China would have to seek approval from the IAEA and the Nuclear Suppliers Group for the new plants, saying the two countries had a strategic partnership and had been cooperating in the civil nuclear field for a long time.

Significantly, the pact on the two new nuclear reactors was not part of the official list issued by Pakistan and China of 12 agreements and MoUs signed during Zardari8217;s visit. No mention of the agreement was also made during official briefings in Beijing on Friday.

According to uncorroborated media reports, Zardari requested more than 3 billion in support from China during his visit, to help Pakistan overcome a balance of payments crisis. Qureshi said China would participate in a Friends of Pakistan conference, made up of potential donors, due to take place in Abu Dhabi next month.