The Hindu : National : "U.S. must ensure civil nuclear cooperation"

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, May 13, 2006

National

National

"U.S. must ensure civil nuclear cooperation"

Diplomatic Correspondent

"India looking at how legislation on deal goes forward in Congress"

NEW DELHI: New Delhi said on Friday it was for the United States administration to ensure the passage of the appropriate legislation to enable civilian nuclear cooperation with India on the basis of the July 18, 2005 joint statement and the March 7 separation plan tabled in Parliament.

Asked to respond to comments made by U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos that the legislation should be passed only after India finalised a safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the spokesman said India had been looking at how this legislation goes forward in Congress.

The spokesman confirmed that Tamrat Samuel, special adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Nepal, met Pankaj Saran, Joint Secretary (north) in the External Affairs Ministry, and discussed the situation in the Himalayan nation with him.

Asked what would be India's position if the U.N. got involved in the surrender of arms in Nepal, the spokesman responded that Mr. Samuel had been discussing these issues during his recent trip to Kathmandu. "It would not be appropriate to make any comments," he said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail