US looking forward to discuss Indo-US nuke deal with NSG

WASHINGTON: The US State Department has said that it is looking forward to discussing the Indo-US civilian nuclear initiative with the Nuclear Suppliers Group hoping to get "positive results" within the next month.

"...we've stated often... our support for this deal and the belief that it's important not only for the bilateral relationship but also for nuclear security in the rest of the world.

"But now that the IAEA has voted, we're going to look to discuss this issue with the members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. We're hoping to get a positive result out of that some time in the next month" Acting State Department Spokesman Gonzalo Gonzales said today.

"And then, hopefully, we'll be able to represent this to Congress on September 8" he added in a reference to the date law makers are returning for their session after the summer recess period.

The senior State department official was asked if the administration would be able to have this initiative finished by Congress by the time it wraps up the session on September 26.

"... we're going to be working with our contacts on the Hill to explain why we believe this is important. And, hopefully, we'll be able to have a positive outcome of this," Gallegos replied.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi has said that she is staying with the September 26,2008 as the target adjournment date and the Senator Majority leader Harry Reid has said that he too could be adopting this timeline for the Senate.

Pelosi given every indication that Democrats are not inclined for a lame Duck session after the November four elections but nothing definitive on this has emerged.