The Hindu : National : Historic agreement, says Congress

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Saturday, Mar 04, 2006

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Historic agreement, says Congress

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Friday hailed the "historic agreement" signed between India and the U.S. in civilian nuclear energy cooperation and congratulated Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his "courage, determination and vision" in clinching the deal.

The party said this agreement should be seen as part of the larger objectives of meeting the requirements for development and the growing demand for energy. "It's part of the larger process of energy co-operation and energy security. The Congress party is proud that an Indian initiative was accepted by the U.S.," party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said.

"Left to itself, the U.S. would have wanted much, much more. But what they got is an equilibrium India desired in its national interest," he added.

In a separate statement, the party praised Dr. Singh for having "assiduously" kept his commitment made in Parliament to protect India's strategic interests, and his vision in clinching a far-reaching deal.

"We hope the U.S. administration will speedily obtain the approval of the U.S. Congress and the Nuclear Suppliers Group to fully operationalise the deal," the statement said.

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