Pakistan Would Stand By Iran If Attacked

United Press International
Published: December 19, 2005

Islamabad, Pakistan--The Bush administration's efforts to bring allies into line in supporting Washington's pressure on Iran over its nuclear program have hit a snag.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Khursheed Kasuri says Pakistan strictly opposes any preemptive attack on Iran and will stand by Iran if the United States and its allies launch military action.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said that Pakistan supports Iran's efforts to pursue a peaceful nuclear program as every country's right.

On Dec. 7, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki arrived in Islamabad on a two-day visit. Besides meeting with Kasuri, Mottaki held talks with President Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

Upon his return to Tehran Mottaki said, "all Pakistani officials, including the President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister backed Iran's right to use nuclear technology peacefully."

Kasuri reiterated that Pakistan believes that the best forum for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue is according to the principles of the International Atomic Energy Agency.