Home | Hindi | Kabir | Poetry | Workshop | BoloKids | Bolography | Writers | Contribute | Search | Contact                                                    Shop Online 

September 18, 2007
Do Not Operationalize N-deal for Six Months: Karat

New Delhi
A day after West Bengal's communist Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya openly spoke in favor of nuclear power, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) general secretary Prakash Karat Tuesday asked the government not to operationalize the India-US nuclear deal for at least six months.

"Do not operationalize the deal for at least six months. The government should wait for the outcome of a discussion in parliament before taking any decision in this matter," Karat said while addressing a party rally against the nuclear here.

Bhattacharya had said in Kolkata Monday that the country could not avoid nuclear power - a statement seen as reflecting differences among the communists over the nuclear deal.

Karat's warning also came a day ahead of the second meeting of United Progressive Alliance (UPA)-Left committee over the impact of Hyde Act and 123 agreement on India's foreign policy and independent nuclear development.

After the first meeting of the 15-member United Progressive Alliance (UPA)-Left committee formed to discuss the Left's concerns over the nuclear agreement, the UPA had responded Monday to a note by the Left parties sent last week.

The note clarified that the Hyde Act was a US domestic law and the 123 agreement would be superior to it in terms of the Indo-US nuclear deal once it is in place.

Also, the government said its negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on India-specific safeguards would be finalized only after the 123 agreement is in place.  

IANS | September 18, 2007  

Top