Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement gets House approval

Washington, July 27 (UNI) India and the United States moved a step closer towards the implementation of the deal for civilian nuclear energy cooperation when the House of Representatives last night extended its support to the landmark accord, paving the way to allow the flow of sensitive American nuclear technology and equipment to India.

The House overwhelmingly rejected some last minute ''killer amendments'' to scuttle the deal by the opponents of the historic July 18,2005, accord.

The legislation, H R 5682 - India-US Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act of 2006, which lifts a 30-year ban on India, was adopted by a overwhelming majority of 359 to 68 votes.

Before President George W Bush signs the measure into a law, the bill has to be approved by the US Senate, which according to observers is just a formality.

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