Earth Equity News

Tight Vote in India Clears Way for Nuclear Deal with U.S. AP, July 23, 2008. "India's government survived a hotly contested confidence vote Tuesday, clearing the way for it to finalize a landmark nuclear energy deal with the U.S. The [tight, 275 to 256] vote capped a week of intense politicking that saw the government rename an airport for a lawmaker's father, promise a high-level job to another, and -- rival politicians allege -- hand out millions of dollars to many others... Most observers expected a tight vote, and both the Congress party and its opponents did whatever they could to muster their forces. One ailing lawmaker was wheeled in on a gurney, and a handful jailed for crimes... were temporarily released... so they could vote. Under the agreement, India would open its civilian reactors to international inspections in exchange for nuclear fuel and technology, which it has been denied by its refusal to sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and testing of atomic weapons. To finalize the deal, India must now strike separate agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog organization, and the Nuclear Suppliers Group of countries that export nuclear material. The U.S. Congress will then vote [on] the accord... In Washington, White House press secretary Dana Perino said the Bush administration continues to support the U.S.-India nuclear deal."