12-12-2006, 11:53 PM
'<b>Americans could break nuke deal at any time'</b><!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Mumbai, December 12: Warning that the US could break the civil nuclear deal at any time, former Atomic Energy Commission Chairman H N Sethna said India should ensure the pact would give it uninterrupted supply of nuclear fuel and the freedom to reprocess spent fuel.
,..........
Without touching on the bill recently cleared by the US Congress that is yet to be signed by Bush, Sethna said if India signs the pact, it should make sure it receives an uninterrupted supply of fuel and has the freedom to reprocess spent fuel.
Claiming the deal is not favourable for India, the 83-year-old Sethna said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's hands are âtiedâ as the country needs uranium fuel for expanding its nuclear programme to achieve energy security.
"I am sure the Prime Minister will not take any steps that would harm the country's interest," he said.
Asked if India can walk out of the deal, he asked âwhether India will be able to withstand the pressure of sanctions? India cannot afford to do it after signing the dealâ. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
,..........
Without touching on the bill recently cleared by the US Congress that is yet to be signed by Bush, Sethna said if India signs the pact, it should make sure it receives an uninterrupted supply of fuel and has the freedom to reprocess spent fuel.
Claiming the deal is not favourable for India, the 83-year-old Sethna said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's hands are âtiedâ as the country needs uranium fuel for expanding its nuclear programme to achieve energy security.
"I am sure the Prime Minister will not take any steps that would harm the country's interest," he said.
Asked if India can walk out of the deal, he asked âwhether India will be able to withstand the pressure of sanctions? India cannot afford to do it after signing the dealâ. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->