Schroeder welcomes Indo-US Civil Nuclear deal

New Delhi, Mar 10 (UNI) Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder today supported the Indo-US Civilian Nuclear Agreement describing it as an ''expression'' of India's aspiration for progress and develolment but said the deal involved certain responsibilities which must be fulfilled.

''The agreement is an expression of India's sovereign position and its aspiration for economic progress. India has done a commendable job in negotiating for energy. I can't find fault with it. Overall it is a good step by India to follow its aspirations,'' he said in reply to a question after addressing the India Today Conclave on 'India Tomorrow : Bridging the Divide.' He, however, said the agreement entailed certain responsibilities and all safeguards must be followed.

To another question, he said the new Government in his country would not send troops to Iraq. The country must be brought back to stability and prevented from disnintegrating.

Earlier in his address, the former German Chancellor said nobody has denied Iran the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy but the Iranian government must be convinced to give up the right to produce and use nuclear weapons.

''The most reasonable, and I think the only way, to achieve this objective is by continuing on the path of negotiations. We should strongly support Russia's suggestion made in the last negotiations with Iran which provides a strong basis for solving the problem through diplomatic exchange,'' he said.

Urging Iran to ''fully and whole-heartedly'' cooperate with the IAEA, he said it was important that this cooperation paid off for Iran in terms of economy and technology.

''We must avoid discrimination. Iran's rights as a sovereign state must be resspected...the use of violence or the threat thereof, are unsuitable means of convincing Iran of the benefits of dialogue,'' he added.

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