ElBaradei says better atom security needed in Pakistan

VIENNA (Reuters) - The chief of the U.N. nuclear watchdog sees a need to improve nuclear security in Pakistan and wherever there is atomic activity, an aide said on Thursday.

Pakistan rejected on Wednesday published remarks by International Atomic Energy Agency Director Mohamed ElBaradei that its nuclear arsenal could fall into the hands of Islamist militants. It called the comments unwarranted and irresponsible.

In a statement, IAEA spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said the Vienna-based agency's core mission was to monitor closely situations that could undermine nuclear safety and security.

"Dr ElBaradei's expression of concern about the possible ramifications of political violence and extremism in the Middle East region and nuclear security in Pakistan is intended to call attention to the need to bolster nuclear safety and security measures not only in Pakistan but also everywhere in the world where nuclear materials or facilities exist," she said.

ElBaradei remarks in an interview with the pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat echoed worries by some U.S. nuclear experts and politicians about the militant violence and political turmoil that is rocking the government of President Pervez Musharraf.

Pakistan is a pivotal ally in the U.S.-led campaign against global terrorism. Instability, especially since last month's assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, has raised international concern about the safety of its nuclear arsenal.

"I fear that chaos ... or an extremist regime could take root in that country which has 30 to 40 warheads," Elbaradei was quoted as saying in the interview. Other estimates have put the number of warheads at 60.

U.S. military and defence officials say the weapons are safely under Pakistani control.

(Reporting by Mark Heinrich; editing by Robert Woodward)