IAEA ratifies safeguards agreement - EU lends support

Vienna: The 35-member board of governors of the UN nuclear watchdog body the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has approved the safeguards plan worked out between the IAEA and India. This is a key requirement that moves the Indo-US nuclear deal a step ahead towards realisation.

It is being given to understand that the European Union has also come out in support of the safeguards agreement saying that it will "reinforce" the non-proliferation regime. The Union  has also sought speedy finalisation of the Additional Protocol. The EU statement, apparently, was circulated among the 35 IAEA Board members at the meeting here.

The statement said that the draft safeguards agreement, taken up by the IAEA Board of Governors today, "will reinforce the non-proliferation regime for which the European Union is committed."

This would provide a critical boost to India's campaign ahead as some members of the 27-nation grouping are stated to hold reservations about the agreement.

EU also said that the Additional Protocol, on which India and IAEA has started negotiations, should be worked out quickly.

With the go-ahead from International Atomic Energy Agency governors, India will now seek a waiver from 45 Nuclear Suppliers Group. If successful, the agreement will then move forward to the US Congress for ratification.