No discussion on civilian nuclear energy with Pak: US

The US today denied reports that its officials during a trip to Islamabad discussed the option of cooperation in civil nuclear energy with Pakistan.
"We've seen those rumours, but I can confirm there was no discussion of civilian nuclear technology," State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell told reporters.
Ventrell was commenting on news report appearing in the Pakistani media that the President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), Elizabeth L Littlefield, during her meetings in Islamabad with Pakistani officials discussed cooperation in civil nuclear technology.
"For further discussions, I'd direct you to the government of Pakistan and OPIC, which is the government agency on our side. But there was no discussion of civil nuclear technology," Ventrell said.

"I can confirm there's no discussion of it here. I don't have anything for you on it. But broadly speaking, you know that we've been supportive of efforts with Pakistan's energy problems, and much of the aid that the US has provided and the expertise and technology and know-how. But I don't have anything for you on that," Ventrell said.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was quoted as saying in the media that Pakistan and the US have agreed in principle to continue dialogue on cooperation in civil nuclear technology.
Responding to a question on Pakistan's decision to import electricity from India, he described this as a good thing.

"Anything that makes relations better between Pakistan and India is a good thing. We welcome anything that warms the relationship. If it's in the energy or economic sector that's good, but otherwise as well," Ventrell said.