PM hopeful of South Africa's support in NSG

Durban, Oct 1(UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today expressed hope that South Africa, which has remained non committal on the Indo-US nuclear deal, would support it in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and said it was for the African Union (AU) to decide which two countries of the continent should get permanent seats in the expanded Security Council.

South Africa, a great champion of non proliferation, has clashed with India over its nuclear weapons, but did not give its opinion on the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal, Dr Singh said.

''We would like South Africa's support in the NSG,'' he said in an interview with a daily ''Independent'' here.

The Prime Minister said, ''India has a strong case for promoting peaceful civilian nuclear technology as the country's energy needs are rising and our ablity to harness nuclear energy would greatly enhance our manoeuvrability in tackling the challenges of development and energy security.'' He said he was encouraged by the discussion India had with South Africa on this issue.

Dr Singh backed South Africa's bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

''We believe South Africa deserves a seat,''he said adding that though India has left it to the AU to decide which African countries should get two seats proposed for the continent.

He also urged South African leader to take quick initiatives to persuade the AU to unblock the stalled UN reforms process.

Last year, the AU spiked everyone's bid by insisting that Africa should settle for nothing less than the seats carrying veto rights as those of five permanent members.

UNI SMA SK VA DB2120