S Africa assures full support to the Indo-US nuclear deal

Pretoria, Oct 2 (UNI) South Africa today came out in full support of the Indo-US nuclear deal, saying they had ''no problem with it''.

''There is no problem with it. When the matter comes before the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG), we will support it,'' South African President Thabo Mbeki said, at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Union Building here, following marathon talks between the two leaders.

South Africa, a leading member of the 44-member NSG, has already earlier also expressed support of the deal.

Dr Singh said he had discussed the matter at length with Mr Mbeki.

''After the US Congress passes the deal, it may go to the NSG.

I expect that when it reaches the NSG, South Africa will have a sympathetic stand on India's concerns,'' he said.

UNI RB VD RAI1644