Left scuttles Govt's hope on Indo-US N-deal

HOPE AND PRAYER: The government in its policy speech said it wants nuclear cooperation with nations.

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New Delhi: The UPA’s Government hope that “nuclear cooperation with the USA” would continue has drawn a sharp reaction from its Left Front ally.

''It is our hope that civil nuclear cooperation with the USA and other friendly countries will become possible,'' said President Pratibha Patil in speech to a joint session of Parliament on the first day of the Budget session. The President’s speech lays down the government's policies for the months ahead.

India on Monday began a fifth and final round of safeguards talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the Indo-US nuclear deal.

The Left Front reacted sharply to the statement and said the Government would “suffer” if it goes back on its commitment that it would not operationalise the nuclear deal.

CPI-M politburo member M K Pandhe said Left parties would not allow the deal. “We will not allow the nuclear deal to be pursued. It has been agreed by the UPA government with the Left that after discussions with the International Atomic agencies that they will not sign it,” he said.

“They'll put the proposal before the Left parties and if the Left does not agree they will not pursue the deal. This is a commitment given to us and if they go back on the commitment than they will suffer,'' said Pandhe.