Bush to sign US-India nuclear accord tomorrow

Washington, Oct 7 (UNI) US President George W Bush will sign a bill containing the US-India nuclear agreement in the East Room of the White House tomorrow.

A White House Spokesman gave this information yesterday in reply to a question.

Earlier, State Department's Deputy Spokesman Robert Wood, in reply to a question yesterday, said he did not know as to when the measure would be signed.

He, however, said, ''It's just administrative matters, as the Secretary (of State Condoleezza Rice) referred to. I'm not aware of any concerns that the Indian Government may have, but I'd refer you to them with regard to any concerns that they might have.'' He said ''We have had extensive discussions with the Indians with regard to this agreement and we have covered a wide range of areas.

I think the fact that we were able to get this agreement done says a lot about what we have all gone through in terms of working with Congress, with the Indian Government and with others in the international community to bring this, you know, agreement to fruition.'' Though the deal had not yet finally been signed, Mr Wood pointed out, ''let's be real. I mean, the deal has been reached, and it's a great deal for both India and the United States.'' When a correspondent insisted on knowing the timing of the signing of the agreement, Mr Wood said, ''I've learnt never to put timeframes on things like this. We will just have to see. But the important thing to realise is that the agreement has been done, and it's a good agreement for all of the parties.'' UNI XC MP BST0643