NEW DELHI, Jan 10 (APP): Over 100 nuclear experts from 23 countries have appealed to members of IAEA and Nuclear Suppliers Group to bring in “additional conditions” before atomic trade with India could resume, according to a media report here Thursday.
In a letter sent to more than four dozen governments, they have emphasized that the accord in its present form would hurt the global non-proliferation regime.
Organized by US-based Arms Control Association and the Citizens’ Nuclear Information Centre, Tokyo, the letter was endorsed by more than 130 experts and NGOs from 23 countries, including the Mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the only cities ever to experience nuclear attacks.
The appeal assumes importance as the 35-member international atomic energy agency board of governors and the 45-member NSG are likely to take up the issue.
The report said the letter warns that the deal would damage the already fragile nuclear nonproliferation system and set back efforts to achieve universal nuclear disarmament.
The appeal urges governments “to actively oppose any arrangement that would give India any special safeguards exemptions or would in any way be inconsistent with the principle of permanent safeguards over all nuclear materials and facilities.”