Pak's request for Nuclear Suppliers Group to be decided by consensus: US

Acknowledging Pakistan's application to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the United States has said the request will be decided by consensus.

Islamabad had last week submitted a formal application in Vienna for joining the NSG.

"The decision to seek participation in the export control regime reflects Pakistan's strong support for international efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery," Dawn quoted the statement issued in Islamabad as saying.

When asked to comment on Pakistan's request, U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark C. Toner said, "They have made public their interest and certainly any country can submit its application for membership. And we'll consider [it] based on a consensus decision."

The 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group founded in response to Indian nuclear test in May 1974 seeks to reduce nuke proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of nuclear materials.

Though India's nuclear tests caused the concerned nations to form this body, the country now wants to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

The Nuclear Suppliers Group members will be meeting in South Korea next month and India's request for an entry could most likely be discussed amongst other issues.

Toner, however, in his Friday news briefing said this meeting had not been called to discuss India's membership, although this was one of the issues that might come up.

The Nuclear Suppliers Group member, China, has blocked India's entry.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on May 13 that several other NSG members were supporting Beijing's move to block India.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee during his visit to China earlier this week told the Chinese leaders that India should be allowed entry into the NSG on the basis of its own credentials.