EU supports nuclear energy programmes, commits 470 mn Euro

New Delhi, Feb 16 (UNI) The visiting European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero- Waldner today expressed support for India's civil nuclear energy programme, but listed certain steps to enable this to happen, and made a commitment of 470 million Euros for the period 2007-13 for strengthening the existing areas of economic co-operation.

"We understand India's interest in nuclear energy and the Joint Action Plan between the two entities lists the framework for such a co-operation," Ms Waldner told a news conference here.

Ms Waldner in the morning had a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and is scheduled to meet a number of key Ministers in the next few days as a part of her five day visit to the country.

On being asked to list steps that will enable support of the European Union for India's civil nuclear energy programme, Ms Waldner said the EU would like India to swiftly conclude a safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

"We will explore steps towards civil nuclear co-operation with India within the broad framework of the global non-nuclear co-operation regime," the Commissioner said.

Ms Waldner said the EU would prefer that India associates itself with Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty(NPT), Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty(CTBT) and Nuclear Fissile Material Cut Off Treaty (FMCT).

The EU high official, however, clarified that these were not a pre-condition for co-operation in the field of nuclear energy, but steps the EU would like India to take.

She said the EU would like to have dialogue on these issues.

India has categorically refused to sign the NPT or the CTBT on the ground that these were discriminatary.

Britain and France, the two key members of the EU had already announced support for civil nuclear energy programme for India.

More UNI