Pakistan to continue nuclear research

The military leader of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, has called on the country's nuclear scientists to expand their research to ensure they made the most of the latest technology.

Speaking on the third anniversary of Pakistan's nuclear tests, General Musharraf said nothing would distract him from fortifying national security.

His statement came just days after the Indian prime minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, invited General Musharraf to Delhi for what would be the first high-level talks between the two countries in more than two years.

Pakistan said it would respond positively to Delhi's invitation.

The nuclear tests three years ago by India and Pakistan provoked international condemnation and sanctions against both countries by the United States.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service