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By James Morrison

DEAL DENIED

A report in the New Yorker magazine sent U.S. and Pakistani diplomats into a frenzy over the weekend, as they scrambled to deny that Washington is making secret plans to take over Pakistan's nuclear weapons in case of an emergency.

"The United States has no intention to seize Pakistani nuclear weapons or material," U.S. Ambassador Anne Patterson said Sunday. "Pakistan is a key ally in our common effort to fight violent extremists and foster regional security."

She added that talks between U.S. and Pakistani officials over security issues are common, especially when both nations are fighting a common terrorist foe.

"We work cooperatively on a wide range of security-assistance initiatives, including significant efforts focused on strengthening counterinsurgency capacities to foster security," the ambassador said.

She insisted that the Obama administration trusts the Pakistan government to prevent terrorists from seizing its nuclear weapons. Warheads, triggers and missiles are stored in separate locations, according to Pakistan government officials.

"The United States has confidence in Pakistan's ability to protect its nuclear programs and materials," the ambassador said.

A Pakistani government spokesman told reporters in Islamabad, "No talks have ever taken place on the issues of the security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal with U.S. officials." The spokesman, who was not identified in Pakistan news stories, added that the country's nuclear weapons are "completely safe and secure."

The New Yorker article by investigative reporter Seymour Hersh said the Obama administration has been "negotiating highly sensitive understandings" to secure Pakistan's nuclear weapons in an emergency like the Taliban and al Qaeda taking over the government.

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