Greece backs India's quest for N-power

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January 11, 2008 23:01 IST

Nuclear Suppliers Group member Greece on Friday expressed its willingness to support India's quest for international cooperation for peaceful use of atomic energy.

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis made this clear after his talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi during which the issue came up for discussion.

"We had useful exchange of views on the subject (nuclear issue)," Dr Singh said at a joint press conference with Karamanlis.

Dr Singh said he explained to the Greek prime minister the 'imperative necessity' for India to move towards civilian nuclear energy and 'need for international cooperation.'

Karamanlis 'understood the imperative India has for taking larger recourse' to nuclear energy, he said.

Karamanlis said though Greece does not use atomic energy itself, it has 'nothing against peaceful uses' of nuclear power.

"Overall, there is no problem with regard to India using nuclear energy," the Greek Premier said, while noting that if India has to use atomic power, it will have to do in accordance with rules laid down by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

As a follow-up to the nuclear deal with the US, India is required to seek backing of the 45-nation NSG and is engaged in lobbying for support with the member countries.

During their talks, Dr Singh and Karamanlis explored ways to enhance the bilateral ties for which 'enormous' potential exists.

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