Critics try to sway debate on U.S.-India nuclear deal

Source: Reuters India

Wed Jan 9, 2008 11:22am IST

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Critics of the U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement on Wednesday urged two international groups whose approval is vital to the deal to take steps to ensure it does not undermine global nonproliferation efforts.

Nearly 100 nongovernmental organizations and 25 individuals made their case in a letter to the 45 nations of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, which governs international nuclear trade, and to some board members of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

The letter, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters ahead of its public release on Wednesday, argued that the deal would "damage the already fragile nuclear nonproliferation system and set back efforts to achieve universal nuclear disarmament."

Endorsed by groups including the Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, the letter urged NSG members to agree to cut off all nuclear trade with India if it resumes nuclear testing for any reason.



Read more: http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-31308620080109