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

Pretoria, Oct 2: 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.

Expressing serious concern at international terrorism, cross-border crimes and illicit trafficking in human and arms and ammunition, the Joint Declaration said counter-terrorism efforts by the international community should be global, comprehensive and in conformity with international laws. Both countries will work together towards early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations.

The South African President said sharing of information and expertise against terrorism could help check global terror. He also sought India's help to train South African security in dealing with acts of terror.

''If information is shared, it would help track down terrorists and curb their activities.'' They emphasised the need to start negotiations on a phased programme for complete elimination of nuclear weapons within a specified framework of time, prohibit their development, production, acquisition, stockpiling and use or threat of use.

In an indirecrt reference to the standoff between Iran and the international community on Tehran's nuclear programme, the two countries stated that nuclear disarmament and non proliferation objectives culd be achieved through ''acceptable forward-looking approaches''.

They also agreed thet international civilian nuclear cooperation, among countries committed to disarmament, non-proliferation objectives must be consistent with their respective national and international obligations.

The two countries full shared views regarding the expansion of the UN Security Council, without which, they said, no reform of the UN would be complete.

They re-iterated that the UNSC must be expanded to include developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America in both permanent and non-permanent categories.

Dr Singh fully supported South Africa's candidature for permanent membership of the expanded UN Security Council.

UNI

UNI