The Hindu : Front Page : Kakodkar in Vienna, to hold talks

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Thursday, Jul 31, 2008
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Kakodkar in Vienna, to hold talks

Vienna: Ahead of a crucial meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Friday, Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar arrived here on Thursday for negotiations on the safeguards agreement and an Additional Protocol to be cleared by the agency and to convince the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) members to give New Delhi a “clean” waiver for implementing the India-United States nuclear deal.

Draft note

The U.S. has circulated a draft note prepared by it for the 45-member NSG and it has left New Delhi unhappy as it did not make a mention of either testing or Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), sources said.

After the IAEA’s Board of Governors’ meeting on August 1, the U.S. is planning to circulate the final note to the NSG members to consider India’s demands.

Mr. Kakodkar will have a series of meetings to ensure a smooth sailing at the 35-member Board of Governors and the NSG, the sources said.

He is expected to hold talks with all NSG members to bring them on board to give India a “clean and unconditional waiver” ahead of the group’s first meeting early next month.

India is a member of IAEA but not the NSG.

Mr. Kakodkar told PTI that he would take part in all discussions, including the negotiations that are underway on an Additional Protocol with the IAEA. — PTI

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