123 Agreement: Opposed

Aug 14: “I will let history just know”, said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the Indo – US nuclear deal.

He asserted that UPA has always kept the house informed about the proceedings in this deal. And this deal has not compromised India’s strategic programme.

Once again opposition refuses to listen him and shouted slogan against him. The Left party chose to walk when prime minister was about to finish the statement. Amidst the protest the house was adjourned by the speaker Somnath Chatterjee, telling it as a shame that Prime minister is not being heard, discussion on this is likely to be held on 20th of August.

Manmohan Singh stated that this agreement has granted “forward looking language” for dual use items needed for reprocessing and enrichment. In the statement he tabled before the house contain the concept of full nuclear cooperation to reprocess the fuel for production of energy for civilian purposes. One of the significant aspects is to create National reprocessing facilities under IAEA safeguard. Also India would accept only IAEA safeguard on civilian nuclear facility only.

India has not consented to any provision that mandates scrutiny of India’s nuclear programme or any unsafeguarded nuclear facilities. India under this agreement can use material, equipment, or technology developed independently. It has given right to India to take corrective measures to ensure uninterrupted operation of its civilian nuclear reactors in the event of disruption of foreign fuel supply.

In case of termination of 123 agreements if in any case, by either party, each has the right to seek return of nuclear material and equipment supplied by it to the other. But before terminating both the party have to consider several accounts such as national security, ongoing projects, compensation at market value and various environmental problems.

The concern of the NDA is the Hyde Act which is wider than 123 agreements could be used to terminate the agreement and will leave India in isolation. As Hyde Act and 123-agreement are binding on America but only 123-agreement would bind India.

Leader of Opposition L.K Advani has asked for Lefts cooperation to oppose this deal. Prakash Karat will table the statement before politburo to discuss.

Congress wants Left to soften the stand on the deal. Prime minister media advisor has said that PM and Prakash Karat are ready to sort out differences.

Sonia Gandhi has congratulated prime minister for reaching the deal without compromising national interest.