WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Bhutto said here ... that Pakistan`s primary interest was `to have not only essential but exclusively defensive weapons for legitimate defence purposes`. Mr. Bhutto was addressing a Press conference, attended by American journalists, at Blair House. ...

A reference was made to the use of the phrase `active consideration` by the White House spokesman on the issue of lifting of [arms] embargo. ... Mr. Bhutto said he understood that active consideration meant that it was a live issue, but he added he did not wish to say anything which might complicate the issue. ...

Replying to a question on Pakistan`s nuclear programme, the Prime Minister said `our nuclear policy is subject to review and reconsideration. It is for peaceful purposes but it depends on the kind of decisions taken here`. Mr. Bhutto said Pakistan was not in a position to sign the non-proliferation treaty. ... Mr. Bhutto categorically denied reports ... that Pakistan had offered bases to the United States. `It is not correct but we cannot prevent Super Powers from pursuing their policies in the Gulf region.` He added that the US had not demanded any bases from Pakistan. News agencies