PM-LD NPT 2LAST

"We've said before that the resolution that was passed
on Thursday unanimously by the Security Council does not have
any bearing on our bilateral civil nuclear cooperation,"
Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert
Blake said while briefing reporters on the meeting.

The UNSC resolution piloted by Obama asks all non NPT
signatories to join the treaty as non-nucelar weapon states
but India, which views the treaty as flawed and
discriminatory, has refused to accept it.

India has made it known to the UNSC that it cannot
accept the "externally prescribed norms or standards" on
issues that were contrary to its national interests or
infringes on its sovereignty.

Blake said Clinton hoped that the two countries would
move forward on civil nuclear cooperation.

"There are still some steps that have to be taken
there, particularly with respect to signing liability
legislation, getting the Indian parliament to approve
liability legislation for our companies, but also to announce
formally the reactor parks that will be set aside for US
companies," he said.

Clinton told the Indian minister that the US views
India as one of our most important partners going forward in
the 21st century, Blake said. PTI