Date:09/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/09/stories/2007120959970900.htm

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Talks with IAEA next week

Mumbai: Seeking a broad-based template for India-specific safeguards with IAEA, a follow-up to the civil nuclear deal with the U.S., the country’s negotiators will hold the second round of talks with the international atomic watchdog in Vienna next week.

“The second round of talks will be held next week by the Indian negotiators towards finalising the broad-based template for India-specific safeguards agreement,” Atomic Energy Department officials said here.

The first round of talks with IAEA concluded last month. It is expected that after two more rounds, the desired template should be ready, they said. The move would enable the U.S. to initiate talks with the Nuclear Suppliers Group for getting exemptions for India to start nuclear commerce. After this, the deal, enabling 123 Agreement, will again go to the U.S. Congress for a vote.

India has made it very clear it will not sign any pact with IAEA before the India-U.S. nuclear deal is signed. Till then, this template will be kept on hold, the officials said. — PTI