National

Antony wants Left to wait till next UPA meet

KOCHI: The Left parties should wait till the next meeting of the United Progressive Alliance for a reply from the government on the contentious nuclear deal issue, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said here on Monday.

Mr. Antony was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a trade union conference.

He asserted that the government would complete its full term in office. As of now, no party had withdrawn support to it. Even if some allies withdrew support, the government would be able to prove its majority.

Addressing the trade union meeting earlier, Mr. Antony said the government was moving ahead with the nuclear deal with the interests of the nation in mind. The deal was necessary for the country to meet its power needs. The Congress, which freed the country from colonial rule, would not compromise on issues of national interest.

The former President, A.P. J. Abdul Kalam, had said that the deal was necessary for the country. With rising crude oil prices, alternative energy sources were needed.

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