Iran today denied receiving any nuclear assistance from Pakistan. Emphasising this, the visiting Secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council also hoped that India would play a positive role at next month’s meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board at Vienna.‘‘We have not received anything from Pakistan,’’ said Hasan Rohani on being asked about the recent disclosures of clandestine transfer of nuclear technology by Pakistan to Iran, Libya and North Korea. He added that 14 years ago, Iran had received some parts from a European dealer but did not know about its origins.Rohani, who called on PM A.B. Vajpayee and held discussions with National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra, hoped the Non-Aligned Movement, particularly India, will extend ‘‘positive cooperation’’ to Iran at the IAEA. India is among the 35 member countries which constitute the IAEA Board that is slated to discuss its report on Iran on March 8.Speaking of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Iranian leader expressed concern over industrialised nations and the IAEA ‘‘not fulfilling their obligations’’ of providing assistance to countries wanting access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.It must be noted that IAEA director-general Mohammed ElBaradei while praising Iran for its ‘‘good cooperation’’ a few days ago, had said: ‘‘I would like to see more prompt information coming from Iran.’’Further, Rohani made it clear that his visit to India was not aimed at influencing New Delhi to abstain from voting at the IAEA. ‘‘My visit to India takes place in the context of the ongoing annual meetings of the two national security councils.’’According to Rohani, the feasibility studies for the proposed gas pipeline between Iran and India through Pakistan were being carried. The discussions, he added, now revolved around whether it should be through sea or over land. On the possible transfer of power later this year in Iraq, Rohani said a ‘‘puppet government’’ would not serve the purpose and that the Iraqi people should be allowed to decide on the country’s destiny. Meanwhile, the MEA spokesperson said both India and Iran exchanged views on the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan and agreed to intensify cooperation in energy and transit sectors.
