Washington: Rebutting a US media report that Pakistan’s atomic
arsenal was vulnerable to theft, the United States has expressed
confidence in Islamabad’s ability to keep its nuclear weapons safe.
"We
have confidence that the government of Pakistan is well aware of the
range of potential threats to its nuclear arsenal and is accordingly
giving very high priority to securing its nuclear weapons and materials
effectively," State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters
Wednesday.
"We continue to believe - we continue to have
confidence in the Government of Pakistan that they both understand the
varied threats to the nuclear arsenal, and that they’re taking
appropriate steps to safeguard them," he said in response to a question.
Two US publications, The Atlantic and the National Journal,
citing unnamed sources, last week said Pakistan had transported nuclear
weapons in low-security vans on congested roads to hide them from US spy
agencies.
Asked if the US had spoken to Pakistan about these
reports, Toner said: "We’re always talking to the Pakistanis, and one of
the things we talk to them about is ways to improve safety around their
nuclear arsenal. But again, we’re confident that there are safety
measures in place." Online
