Bush hails passage of Indo-US Nuke Bill

Washington, Nov 17: President George W Bush has welcomed the Senate passage of the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Bill, saying it would further cement the strategic ties between the two nations.

In a written statement, issued immediately after the Senate action last night, he said, '' The United States and India enjoy a strategic partnership based upon common values. Today, the Senate has acted to further strengthen this relationship by passing legislation that will deliver energy, non-proliferation, and trade benefits to the citizens of two great democracies.'' He said, '' The US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation agreement will bring India into the international nuclear non-proliferation mainstream and will increase the transparency of the country's entire civilian nuclear program.'' ''As India's economy continues to grow, this partnership will help it meet its energy needs without increasing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,'' he informed.

The President said it would also help reduce India's dependence on imported fossil fuels. ''By increasing India's demand for civil nuclear technology, fuel, and support services, this historic agreement creates new business opportunities for American companies and enhances our trade relationship,'' he added.

President Bush said, ''I appreciate the Senate's leadership on this important legislation and look forward to signing this bill into a law soon.''

UNI

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