US many slap cubs on Pakistan over Iran deal

KABUL if the proposed Iran-Pakistan pipeline agreement is implemented, an American newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Wall Street Journal said in a report: “Washington has made it clear that it will impose economic sanctions on Islamabad if it begins to buy gas from Iran. Besides, the UN has mandated sanctions on any trade with the oil-rich country.”

The US embassy in Islamabad told the newspaper:“Our policy on Iran is well known. We have made it clear to all of our interlocutors around the world that it is in their interests to avoid activities that may be prohibited by UN sanctions or sanctionable under US law.”

On Wednesday, Iran agreed to set up a $4 billion oil refinery, with an estimated capacity of about 400,000 barrels per day, in the Gwadar port in southwestern Balochistan province.

Advisor on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain said that an understanding had been reached at a meeting between Iranian delegation led by Oil Minister Rostam Ghasemi and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf.

A memorandum of understanding for setting up the refinery is expected to be signed during President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Tehran on Feb 27. Land for the refinery will be provided to Iran near the port that was handed to China earlier in the week.

PAN Monitor/mud

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