N-deal lobbying on in full swing

The meeting at the US Chambers building facing the White House was addressed by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Nicholas Burns and Lt. Daniel Christman from the US Chamber of Commerce.

Addressing the Coalition, Burns continued to press in favour of the deal, dwelling at length on why it was important for India, US energy and national security and global peace. India, he said, is crucial for regional stability because it “has influence politically, economically and military in South and South East Asia”. Refuting criticisms against the deal point by point, he said, “The argument comparing India with Iran might work in the theoretical area it does not work in the real world. India, as a country, is friendly to us. It is saying to the IAEA: ‘Come to us and see our nuclear installations’. Iran is not a peaceful country or a trustworthy nation.”

Lt. Daniel Christman, who is leading the campaign on behalf of three million members of the chamber, said this agreement was very significant for American industry, a point also made by Burns.

Launching the campaign over two dozen eminent persons including former ambassadors to India William Clark and Frank Wisner,former Defence Secretary Bill Cohen, and former Assistant Secretary of State Karl F. Inderfurth wrote a letter to all Congressmen in support of the nuke deal. Cohen said, “The nuke agreement was a classical case of two great democracies coming together in a strategic relationship for peace.”