We are in a dilemma over letter's content on N-deal : Mulayam

Lucknow, Sep 4 (UNI) The Samajwadi Party, supporting the civil nuclear deal with the US, today appeared ''confused'' over the news report about banning atomic test by India after the agreement.

SP supremo and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav said here that he was yet to take the media reports about the US letter on the face value but still he was in dilemma to comment on the issue.

'' We have to see whether the letter is correct or the statement of External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee claiming that the deal would not compromise with the sovereignty of the country,'' he said.

Mr Yadav said he would seek detailed report on the issue and even the letter of the US government before making any official comment.

'' But certainly the issue has shaken us and the party is in dilemma what to say'', he quipped.

The 39-member strong SP supported the UPA government at the Centre on the confidence-motion over the nuclear deal on July 22 in the Lok Sabha which enabled the government to sustain the opposition by the Left and other parties including the BSP.

On the eve, when the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was to assemble in Vienna for a crucial meeting today, the Indo-US nuclear deal plunged into a major crisis with disclosures that the US would cancel the pact if India conducts a test.

Immediately after the disclosures, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh convened a meeting with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and National Security Advisor M K Narayanan to discuss the developments last night.

The controversy began after 'The Washington Post' reported that the agreement had the provision that the US would not supply sensitive technology to India and the deal would be off if India conducted a nuclear test.

Indian government, however, had all along maintained that the July 18, 2005, civilian nuclear agreement would not affect the country's strategic interests.

UNI MB SB SV HT1522