Nuclear Scientists hail Indo-US nuclear Deal

New Delhi, Aug 26 (UNI) A group of eminent nuclear scientists today called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and expressed their concerns about the changes being sought by members of the US Congress to the July 18,2005 Joint Statement of the Prime Minister and US President George Bush.

The scientists, including Dr H N Sethna, Dr P K Iyengar, Dr M R Srinivasan, however, welcomed the statements of the Prime Minister in both the Houses on the nuclear deal. "Your statement was beautiful.

We loved it," Dr Srinivasan said, summing up the view of the group.

The Prime Minister had invited the nuclear scientists to "help outline a path to take advantage of this new opening provided by the nuclear agreement to end the nuclear apartheid against India." A PMO spokesman said Mr Singh asked them to show "how best to use the opportunities on the horizon, while minimising the risks and taking care of of our national interests." He said the 90-minute meeting covered a wide range of issues and the Prime Minister asked the Department of Atomic Energy and the National Security Advisor to remain in touch with the scientists and take their advise while negotiating the safeguards agreements and the India-specific additional protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Earlier, the Prime Minister met a high-power AEC delegation led by the Commission's Chairman and Department of Atomic Anergy Secretary Anil Kakodkar.

Editors here pick up from earlier series.

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