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November 04, 2009 23:50 PM
US Sees Malaysia As Important Partner In Strengthening Non-proliferation Regime
By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The United States sees Malaysia as a very important partner in the effort to strengthen the non-proliferation regime, said its Department of State Special Advisor For Non-proliferation and Arms Control, Robert J.Einhorn.
"This is important because if the current worrisome trend continues, we are going to find ourselves with many nuclear powers in the world, he told Bernama in an interview here wednesday.
Therefore, he said, the likelihood of terrorists getting their hands on nuclear weapon would be much greater.
Einhorn is leading a multi-agency delegation on a two-day visit to Malaysia to consult with senior Malaysian officials on non-proliferation and disarmament issues.
When asked on the role that Malaysia could play, he said: "Let's take the question of Iran, the Obama administration believes very much in engagement."
He said the US had serious differences with the Iranian government but believed that these differences could most effectively be dealt with through diplomacy.
"We are engaging Iran in that context but we are also understand that countries around the world have good relationships with Iran.
"Malaysia has good a relationship with Iran, The Iranian Foreign Minister was here in Malaysia a few days ago. The US would like Malaysia to use its good offices and relationship with Iran to convey the message that the Obama administration is serious about engagement and that "we want to find common ground with Iran"."
He said this was especially important because Malaysia was very influential in the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, Asean and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
-- BERNAMA
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