145;N-separation should not affect Indo-US strategic programme146;

The focus of the Saran-Burns meeting is on the civilian nuclear cooperation with the main objective of moving forward the discussions, said a senior administration official.

8220;It is a complicated process and needs continuing discussions.The Burns-Saran meeting has been planned for a long time,8221; the official remarked. He also said that another objective of the meeting was to 8220;start making preparations8221; for President Bush8217;s visit to India scheduled in February/March 2006.

Ahead of the talks, Saran was at the carnegie endowment answering questions and outlined the India8217;s parameters for the talks with the us on the nuclear deal signed on July 18.

He made it clear that 8220;we will be addressing the separation plan on the basis that this has to be efficient, credible, transparent and it should not, at least as far as we are concerned, not impact adversely on our strategic programme8221;.

He said it would be incorect to apply to Indo-US nuclear deal the safeguards which were applicable to non-nuclear weapon states who are parties to the Non Proliferation Treaty NPT.

8220;The important thing to remember is the July 18 statement is not about India8217;s strategic programme. It is an agreement about civilian nuclear energy cooperation between India and the US.

8220;And in pursuing that civilian nuclear cooperation with the US, what India is willing to do is to give assurance to its partners that whatever is coming as technology or cooperation from partners would not be diverted to India8217;s strategic programme and would not be diverted to third countries,8221; Saran said.

8220;With regards to the kind of safeguards that would be applicable8230;those safeguards would have to take into account what the joint statement has recognised8212;that India has a civilian programme but also has a military programme. And therefore, if you say that safeguards which are applicable to the non nuclear weapons states, parties to the npt, is what would be applicable here, it is not really correct,8221; he said.

8220;While we are not recognised as a nuclear weapon state under the npt, there is a recognition that India has a military programme and a civilian programme and whatever safeguards are finally agreed upon with the iaea will have to take this factor into account,8221; Saran said.

Asked why it was that India had insisted in having the fissile material cut off treaty off the table, he argued that it was important to go back to the July 18 statement and see what it was about.

8220;As far as the fmct is concerned, we are committed to the negotiation of a multilateral, certifiable fissile material cut-off treaty in the conference of disarmament,8221; he said .

The Foreign Secretary noted it was the responsibility of the US to get the civilian cooperation agreement through the US Congress and the nuclear suppliers group.

8220;8230; We can8217;t negotiate with the Congress,8221; he remarked adding that India, for its part, will play its role in 8220;building up8221; the case. 8212;PTI