15-05-06
The US has asked Pakistan to abandon the $ 7 bn
gas pipeline planned to Pakistan and India ahead of the visit by a high-level
Iranian delegation.
"The US has asked Pakistan to distance itself from the pipeline, but the
leadership is adamant in its refusal to the constant US demands," a senior
government official was quoted as saying.
Iran and Pakistan have said the project would forge ahead despite US
reservations. Pakistan said the project is vital to meet the country's growing
energy needs.
The US appeal came before Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki was slated
to arrive in Islamabad for consultations with Pakistani leaders on key issues
including the international standoff over Tehran's nuclear programme and the
pipeline. A day later, Iranian First Vice President Parviz Dawoudi was also set
to arrive.
Meanwhile, the joint working group of Iran, Pakistan and India was also
scheduled to meet in the Pakistani capital for technical discussions on the
proposed 2,670 km pipelinefrom Iran's southern Pars field. Those discussions are
to be followed by ministerial-level talks in June in Tehran.
Pakistani officials said the project should take three to four years to complete
after the three countries strike a final deal.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com