Amid Pakistan's demand that it be given access to Australian uranium for which India has been granted green light, Australia has said it believes Islamabad is not eligible to buy the yellow cake from it.
"India has an exemption from Nuclear Suppliers Group, which does not apply to Pakistan," outgoing Australian High Commissioner Tim George said during his farewell news conference yesterday.
Pakistan has repeatedly sought access to Australian uranium after Canberra approved sales to New Delhi.
Pakistan has contended that since Australia has lifted its ban for a country that has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, it too should be allowed to benefit from the concession.
However, George was quoted by the media as saying that the cases of India and Pakistan were different.
The offer of sale of uranium to India was meant to boost trade and enhance Australia's relationship with that country, he said.
George said Australia has been pursuing a policy of strengthening its relationship with Pakistan. He said he was heartened to see "the deepening of our engagement, which is based on a productive, friendly and mutually beneficial partnership."
