U.S. Again Voices Disapproval Of Iran-Pakistan Pipeline

(RFE/RL) March 13, 2006 – U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman today expressed disapproval of a proposed multibillion dollar pipeline that would carry gas from Iran to Pakistan.

Speaking after talks in Islamabad with Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmud Kasuri, Bodman said the United States does not approve the project "as Iran is developing nuclear weapons."

U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, have often publicly expressed reservations about the project, which Pakistan says is essential for its growing energy demands.

(dpa)