Congressmen counter critics of India-US N deal

Washington, May 26 : A bipartisan group of four leading Congressmen have rebutted critics of the US-India civilian nuclear deal and contended that the agreement greatly strengthens the international nonproliferation system.

In a ''Dear Colleague'' letter circulated among all the members of the US House of Representatives, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) joined Congressmen Dan Burton (R-IN), Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Joe Crowley (D-NY) have responded to critics of the proposed civilian nuclear agreement between India and the United States.

Congressman Wilson said ''throughout the past few months, critics of the civilian nuclear proposal have made several erroneous statements which completely misrepresent the intent of this potential partnership. Our letter counters these false claims and reaffirms our support for this visionary agreement.'' Regarding critics claim the proposed agreement poses potential negative impacts on non-proliferation, Mr Wilson and others said ''on the contrary, the agreement greatly strengthens the international non-proliferation system. India has long been largely outside of international nonproliferation regimes. Under this agreement, India will place 14 of the 22 existing and planned nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. Further, once a reactor has been placed under safeguards, it will be that way permanently and without conditions.'' To the critics claim the proposed agreement treats India's civilian nuclear program differently, the Congressmen said ''however, the fact that the agreement provides unique treatment for India is based on the recognition of the very different factual situation regarding India compared to other countries with a history of proliferation problems.'' ''For 30 years, India has protected its nuclear programs. It has not engaged in or allowed proliferation of its nuclear technology.

Simply put, India is treated uniquely because of its history of maintaining a successful nuclear nonproliferation regime,'' the Congressmen added.

UNI