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Clinton hopes jets-for-restraint deal will be struck with Pak

US President Bill Clinton said today he hoped a deal could be made with Pakistan which would prevent the country from exploding a nuclear device in reply to India's nuclear tests of the past week.

"I hope we can have a formula within which they will find it possible -- politically possible -- not to go forward," said Clinton, speaking at a news conference prior to the Group of Eight summit in Birmingham.

Clinton did not give any details of a possible G-8 package, but indicated that resolution of a dispute between Pakistan and the US over the delivery of F-16 fighters could play a role.

"(Pakistan) had paid for these planes and because of later findings we couldn't deliver the planes but they couldn't get their money back," he said.

"It's been a very frustrating thing for me," he said, adding: "Obviously, that might be one part of the resolution."

Clinton said he understands the pressure on Pakistan's leaders following the five Indian nuclear tests since Monday.

"If you put yourself in Pakistan's position, you can imagine the kind of political pressure that must be building up there at home," he said.

Clinton called on Pakistan's leaders not to go ahead with the test which US officials say could take place as early as Sunday.

"This would show a great act of statesmanship," he said.

The G-8 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States. Leaders of the G-8 are meeting in Birmingham through Sunday.

UNI

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