Washington: The United States has said Pakistan is "currently part of the global consensus that Iraq cannot be allowed to develop weapons of mass destruction".

"We would expect to continue to work with Pakistan in that regard," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters on January 3.

Asked about the anti-American demonstrations in Pakistan and warnings by a leader of Islamists that if there is a war against Iraq, Americans will not be safe in Pakistan, Boucher said, "Political parties in Pakistan have organised these demonstrations. We understand they have been orderly.

"Probably several thousand people have attended. Pakistanis and others certainly have the right to demonstrate and express their political beliefs."

Apparently suggesting that the views held on the streets of Pakistan are different from those of the rulers of the country, Boucher said, "I think on a broader scale it is quite clear – the international community has made clear – that Iraq, in its attempts to obtain weapons of mass destruction, constitutes a menace to world peace.

"Pakistan is part of that global consensus and we look forward to continuing our co- operation with Pakistan."

On Pakistan becoming a non-permanent member of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from January 1, Boucher said, "I am sure we have been in touch with the Pakistanis about their membership in the Security Council. We have generally done that with all Security Council members and new Security Council members as we start new terms, as we start a New Year."

As far as demonstrations in Security Council member countries, "If I am not mistaken, I believe there might have been some demonstrations in other Security Council countries as well at various times – even in this one," he said.

Asked whether he was suggesting that the demonstrations against the US in Pakistan lack mass support, Boucher said he was stating "just the facts".

When reminded that there were also demonstrations in Bahrain, he said, "There have been demonstrations here and there. There have been demonstrations in countries about Iraq. There have been demonstrations in countries about various things.

"We work with governments. We work with publics. We try to make our case. We try to make clear what our intentions are. People have the right to demonstrate. That is fundamental to us and we know that people who have views should be allowed to express them."

The demonstrations in Bahrain, said Boucher, "had something more to do with a soccer match, we think. They were not anti-American in nature."

PTI