US senate begins discussion on the US-India nuke deal

Washington, Nov 16 (UNI) The US Senate today began discussions on the the US-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Bill (S3709) to give effect to the historic civilian nuclear energy cooperation accord reached between US President George W Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Senate relations committee chairman Richard Lugar introduced the bill, giving at length its salient features and urged the members to pass it.

The discussion is expected to continue for quite some time now because members intend to introduce a variety of amendments. Most of the amendments are in the name of the democratic senators.

Earlier, President Bush, in a telephonic conversation , told Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that he hopes the US Congress will soon approve the legislation on the civilian nuclear deal between the two nations.

The agreement would let India buy nuclear fuel and technology from the United States and other suppliers if New Delhi opens its civilian nuclear sites to international inspection.

Prominent arms control experts have urged US lawmakers to see to it that India stops producing nuclear fuel that could be used in weapons, before US-India nuclear cooperation begins.

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