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Spokesperson Briefings

Date: 30/04/2007

Record of Press Briefing on 30 April 2007

Opening Statement:

In pursuance of Export Control Act on Goods, Technologies, Materials Equipment of 2004, the Prime Minister Has approved the setting up of a national export control authority, and its' oversight board. The export control authority will be named, Strategic Export Division (SECDIV) and will be established in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The oversight board has already been constituted and it will also oversee the setting up of SECDIV.

The SECDIV will formulate and enforce rules and regulations for the implementation of export controls in accordance with the Export Control Act 2004 and also act as a licensing body. In October 2005 Pakistan notified a Control List of goods, technologies, materials and equipment, which incorporate the internationally accepted standard lists of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Australia Group (AG) dealing with biological agents and toxins, and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Export of items on the Control List from Pakistan will only be possible after approval by the SECDIV.

The SECDIV will be named by representatives of the concerned Ministries and organizations responsible for the implementation and enforcement of export controls, including the Ministry of Foreign affairs, Strategic Plan Division (SPD), Ministry of Commerce, Central Board of Revenues and others, as required.

The adoption of Export Control Act, notification of national Control List and the establishment of SECDIV are a continuing manifestation of Pakistan 's strong commitment to non-proliferation and it's determination to fulfill its national and international export control commitments.

Question/ Answers Session:

Asked how many countries had assured to participate for the OIC envoy's conference in Islamabad this month, the Spokesperson said:

We are still getting confirmations of participation. We expect about 600 participants in this meeting, mostly of the delegations would be headed by foreign ministers.

When her attention was drawn to the recent statements by President Musharraf, Indian Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister on the prospects of an early solution to the Kashmir dispute and asked why the taxpayers were not kept in the picture about the proposals being considered and what were Pakistan's views on the roundtable held in Delhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statements, the Spokesperson said:

Do you expect 160 million people to be on the negotiating table? The President has clearly stated that when the two countries reached that stage, the nation would be taken into confidence. We do not have any comments on the roundtable and recommendations of various working groups. What is important is that Pakistan and India have to work towards finding a solution of the Kashmir dispute that is acceptable to Kashmiris and reflects their aspirations. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement at the roundtable conference is part of the discussions that are taking place in the search for a solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, a solution that is acceptable to Pakistan , India and most importantly to the people of Kashmir .

It would be out of place to comments on each and every step but there are positive aspects in the Indian Prime Minister's statements.

Asked to comment the Karzai-Musharaf meeting in Ankara , the Spokesperson said:

It is our hope that the meeting in Ankara , which is taking place at the initiative of Turkish leadership, would help clear any misunderstandings that may exist. It would also help the two countries to better coordinate their efforts in countering terrorism and it will strengthen the relations.

When asked to comment on International Jurists Commissions' visit and their recommendations, whether Pakistan would give consideration recommendations, the Spokesperson said:

International Commissions of Jurists is a very well reputed organization. They paid a visit to Pakistan recently and we facilitated this visit which reflects the openness of society and system. We have not seen their recommendations but concerned government departments will be looking into their recommendations.

Asked about the purpose of the Strategic Export Control Division, the Spokesperson said:

The purpose of setting up this Division is to have a focal authority for the monitoring and implementation of the Export Control Act. This Division would ensure that the provisions of the Act that was adopted in 2004 are fully implemented.

When asked about the policies before the Strategic Export Control Division, the Spokesperson said:

There have been various laws, under which guidelines on this subject were provided by various agencies including the Ministry of Commerce and CBR. In 2004, we established comprehensive controls through this Act. This Division will host representatives of all the concerned ministries and organizations responsible for the implementation and enforcement of export controls, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Strategic Plans Division, Ministry of Commerce, Central Board of Revenues and others, as required.

When asked about the time frame of next fourth Composite Dialogue, the Spokesperson said:

The talks on Sir Creek dispute would be held on May 17-18 in Rawalpindi and on the Wullar Barrage on June 26-27 in Delhi . And the other dates are being finalized by the concerned ministries.

Asked whether the NSG would come around to addressing the energy needs of Pakistan , the Spokesperson said,

We are engaged with the NSG members. Our position is based on the fact that our energy requirements are growing as our economy is expanding and growing. We need civilian nuclear power plants.