'No time-frame for implementing Indo-US N-deal'

Shimla, June 3: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today denied that the Indo-US deal for civilian nuclear energy cooperation had hit a roadblock even as he acknowledged that no time-frame could be set for the implementation of the historic pact.

''Some legal constraints still remain on the part of the Bush Administration..we are trying to resolve the differences but it is not possible to give any time-frame'', he told reporters after addressing a conference of Parliamentarians from SAARC countries, organised by the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA).

Mr Mukherje said the two countries were committed to the July 18, 2005 joint statement issued by US President George Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan singh for cooperation in the civilian nuclear energy field and the March 2006 separation plan agreed upon between the two leaders.

The External Affairs Minister's statement came a day after US Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns concluded a three-day visit to India during which he held intense discussions with Indian officials on the text of the 123 agreement for the implementation of the nuclear deal. However, the two sides could not arrive at a common position.

The Prime Minister is expected to meet President Bush in Germany next week on the margins of the G-8 Outreach Summit at which they are expected to thrash out differences on the 123 agreement.

There are also reports suggesting that Dr Singh would visit Washington in late August or September when the 123 agreement is expected to be formally signed.

UNI

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