Waiver historic, US to move Congress now, says Mulford

New Delhi, Sep 6 (UNI) Welcoming the NSG waiver as ''historic'', the US today said it would now move forward to obtain the Congress approval to make the civil energy nuclear deal with India finally operational.

''We will now move forward to accomplish the final step with our Congress,'' US Ambassador David C Mulford told mediapersons here soon after the news of NSG waiver broke in from Vienna.

''This is a triumphant day for India,'' he said.

Mr Mulford said today's agreement on a waiver for India would strengthen global non-proliferation and also permit India to address its critical energy need besides contributing to protecting global environment.

The consensus reached in Vienna today was the culmination of years of hard work and cooperation between India and the United States to bring India into the global civil nuclear mainstream, he said.

''I would like to recognise the vision and dedication of President Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in achieving this remarkable breakthrough,'' said Mr Mulford.

Earlier, India also described as a ''landmark development'' the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) consensus decision on a waiver to it for global nuclear trade.

UNI NAZ PK CS1958