US gets hyperactive to 8216;help8217; India secure the nuke deal

Welcoming the passage of the safeguards agreement at the IAEA, State Department Spokesman Nicole Thompson said that the agreement was carefully crafted following an approved IAEA safeguards model and it is fully supported by the IAEA Secretariat.

8220;The Board8217;s approval of the safeguards agreement is a key step forward in implementing the US-India civil nuclear cooperation initiative. The historic initiative was welcomed by the IAEA Director General Mohammad ElBaradei as a milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the non- proliferation regime, combat nuclear terrorism and strengthen nuclear safety,8221; Thompson said.

8220;Once the Nuclear Suppliers Group approves and exception for India and other remaining steps are completed, we will submit the 123 Agreement for Congressional approval and seek rapid action in a short time remaining in this year8217;s legislative calendar,8221; Thompson added.