The Hindu : National : Centre still says `no'

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Friday, Aug 04, 2006

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National

Centre still says `no'

Special Correspondent

Nuclear deal resolution

NEW DELHI: The Government on Thursday once again made its position clear that its answer to the proposal for a "sense of the House" resolution on the India-United States nuclear deal was a big "no".

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi admitted that while discussions were still going on with the Left and other parties, the Government was sticking to its position of "no" to a resolution.

While efforts were still on to arrive at a consensus and only three working days in Parliament next week, the discussion on the issue or a statement from the Prime Minister would have to wait for the week after, he said.

Mr. Dasmunsi said if the parties wanted a debate on the issue and a response from the Prime Minister, the Government was willing. If they wanted a statement from the Prime Minister followed by a discussion or clarifications, that too would be considered. But it was "no" to a resolution. "The Government will not be party to any resolution on the subject," he said.

He emphasised the Congress had "absolute faith" in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and, therefore, there could be no question of a resolution.

On other issues, he said there would be a discussion on farmers' issues on August 10 in the Lok Sabha and August 11 in the Rajya Sabha.

He was hopeful that the amendment to the Right to Information Act would be passed in this session.

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