"N-deal: Stop fissile material production"

Washington, Nov 15: A group of 18 prominent arms control experts has sent letters to US senators urging them not to approve the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement, without 'significant' changes, including a commitment on the part of New Delhi to stop production of fissile material for weapons.

The measure, a top priority for President George W Bush before the outgoing Republican-led Congress ends its session next month, may come before the Senate as early as this week.

The other changes suggested by the group are, a determination and annual certification that US civil nuclear trade does not in any way assist or encourage India's nuclear weapons program, measures to ensure that the United States does not continue to provide nuclear assistance directly or through other suppliers in the event that India breaks the non-proliferation commitments and a determination that the Government of India or its affiliated entities are not engaged in illicit procurement of WMD-related items.

It also wants the US to end cooperation if India tests a nuclear weapon.

A bill giving effect to the agreement has already been passed by the US House of Representatives in July last.

Under the agreement reached during President Bush's visit to India earlier this year, India would have access to US civilian nuclear technology in return for a pledge to open its non-military nuclear facilities to international inspections.

Many arms control experts are concerned that the agreement could harm efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. But, the Bush administration disagrees with their view insisting that the deal would strengthen non-proliferation efforts by putting a majority of India's nuclear plants under international inspections.

The signatories to the letter include, US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Former Director, Joseph Cirincione, Former Assistant Secretary of State for Non-proliferation Robert J Einhorn, Former director of US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency John D Holum and Executive Director, Arms Control Association Daryl G Kimball.

UNI

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