US wants India, Pak, Israel to be non-nuclear weapon states

Washington: The United States wants India, Pakistan and Israel to "eventually" become non-nuclear weapon states, but recognizes that it is an impossible goal now.

US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nonproliferation, Andrew K. Sammel, in a statement to the 2005 Review Conference on NPT in New York said : "The United States shares the view that the Conference should reinforce the goal of universal NPT adherence. That goal is for Israel, India and Pakistan to eventually join the Treaty as non-nuclear weapon States." "The situation in South Asia also poses unique challenges. Let me reiterate that the United States remains committed to NPT universality. We recognize, however, that India and Pakistan may not join the Treaty for the foreseeable future," the statement, released in Washington, said. "We remain deeply concerned by the dangers posed by nuclear weapons and their delivery systems in South Asia and do not believe they enhance regional security."



"We welcome recent signs of improved relations between India and Pakistan. We continue to urge both countries to end their nuclear and missile competition, and to discuss and implement confidence-building measures designed to reduce regional tensions and diminish risks that nuclear weapons could be used, either intentionally or accidentally, in a crisis."