As India launched a massive diplomatic campaign with as many as 10 envoys — three ministers and seven diplomats — fanning out across the world to persuade members of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) within hours of the trust vote win, Pakistan has fired its first salvo to block a consensus in these two crucial international bodies.

The US, which is engaged in hectic diplomacy with Pakistan, said that it will address the technical issues raised by Islamabad. US ambassador David C Mulford said today, “We will address Pakistan’s role at the IAEA,” and expressed conviction about the Bush administration’s ability to “persuade” Pakistan to cooperate.

In a note circulated amongst the key members of the IAEA Board of Governors, Pakistan, it is learnt, has questioned the urgency to waive the 45-day approval process and the 30-day notice for meeting in the international watchdog on nuclear matters. By raising these arguments, Islamabad is understood to be setting the stage for a vote in the IAEA Board of Governors.

In its note, it has categorically questioned the need for “waiving off” the 45-day period which is usually given to the member-countries on the 35-member IAEA board to study the draft safeguards agreement. In this case, 22 days have been given as the draft was circulated on July 9 and the meeting has been called for August 1. Pakistan has also argued that usually a 30-day notice is given to the IAEA board members which has been over-ruled in India’s case. Technically, IAEA board of governors’ meetings can be called at a 72-hour notice.

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