White House appreciates PM for commitment to nuke deal

WASHINGTON: The White House on Thursday appreciated Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's commitment to the "historic" Indo-US nuclear deal and said the pact will help strengthen global non proliferation efforts.

"We do appreciate Prime Minister Singh's willingness to move forward with this deal. It's a historic agreement, this strategic partnership," White House Deputy Press Secretary Tony Fratto said.

"We think the initiative will help strengthen global nonproliferation efforts. So it's a positive thing, and we appreciate the commitment by the prime minister," he added.

The draft India-specific nuclear safeguards accord with the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) was circulated to the nuclear watchdog's Board of Governors yesterday for approval following a "request" from the Indian government.