US will continue to persuade NSG to back Nuke deal:Mulford

New Delhi, Aug 25 (UNI) U S Ambassador to India David Mulford today reaffirmed Washington's commitment to working with India to rapidly complete the remaining steps necessary to conclude the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative.

Mr Mulford also assured that the US would continue to work with India to persuade the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) that a clean exemption was in the best interest of the international comunity.

''The U.S. and India stand shoulder-to-shoulder in their desire for a clean exception and we will continue to work with our Indian partners to persuade the Nuclear Suppliers Group countries that such an exemption is in the international community's best interest,'' Mr Mulford said.

He said that ahead of the scheduled NSG plenary on September 4, the United States and India would continue vigorous joint advocacy for the initiative at the highest levels of NSG governments.

The statement comes two days after the NSG meet in Vienna ended without consensus with some countries seeking amendments in the draft agreement.

India wants 'unconditional waiver' by the NSG while about 20 countries of the nuclear cartel have put certain conditions.

The agreement, after it is cleared by the NSG, will be taken up by the US Congress before it is finally implemented.

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