NSG member Cyprus backs Indo-US nuclear deal

Cyprus, a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, backed the Indo-US civil nuclear deal on Wednesday, lending a boost to efforts to achieve the mandatory endorsement of the agreement by the 45-country world body.

During the talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos, Nicosia also affirmed support to India's candidature for permanent membership of the expanded United Nations Security Council.

As a member of the NSG, Cyprus welcomed the Indo-US nuclear deal clinched on March 2 during the visit of President George W Bush, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said after the talks.

"Cyprus conveyed its support to India's efforts for promotion of full civilian nuclear energy cooperation," he said. Sarna said both sides agreed that such cooperation would be helpful in addressing concerns relating to global energy security and environmental protection.

The nuclear deal is required to be endorsed by the NSG, along with the US Congress, before it could be implemented, allowing trade by the international community with India in nuclear technology and materials. Russia, Britain and France are already in favour of the deal but several NSG members like Australia and The Netherlands have not supported the agreement.

India and Cyprus also finalised an agreement on combating terrorism, illicit drug trafficking and organised crimes.

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