UPA-Left's N-talk inconclusive, next round on May 28

The crucial eighth meeting of the United Progressive Alliance-Left Coordination Committee on Indo-US civil nuclear deal today ended without getting a defined outcome.

As a result the fate of the much hyped Indo-US nuclear remains as speculative as ever. The Left leaders did not look satisfied with UPA's explanations for the deal and demanded further clarifications on the objections raised by them. The next round of meeting of the Committe to reach a workable agreement has been scheduled for May 28, 2008.

In a joint press address, both CPI(M) polit bureau member Sitaram Yechury and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee expressed hope that the deadlock between the Left and government would be dealt in a positive way. Mukherjee also said, "In-depth discussion on the India-specific Safeguards Agreement between India and the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Left leaders have sought for further clarifications, which will be provided in the next few days."

On being asked about their objections to the deal, the senior CPI(M) leader said, "We have conveyed our objections to the government and they have promised to give clarification on the concern raised by us and the clarification will be in written form." However, another senior left leader indicated that the deadlock between the Left and UPA would continue for few more months as the left parties are in a mood to linger the issue and see the reaction of the US, which has given the ultimatum to the UPA government to get the deal done by June.

But, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, a key interlocutor between the UPA and Left on the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal, appeared very optimistic. "We are hopefull for a positive outcome of the final discussion," he said. All the members of the Committee were present there in the meeting except Congress MP Prithviraj Chavan.

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