Schroeder defends Indo-US deal

New Delhi: It's a convergence of the greatest minds from around the world. The two-day India Today Conclave has begun in New Delhi with a vision for a better, brighter India.

The annual event is a forum for free and frank exchange of ideas among political leaders, Nobel laureates and policy makers.

This year the topic for the Conclave is - India Tomorrow 2006: Bridging the divide.

The speakers - drawn from across the spectrum – include former German chancellor Gerhard Schoeder, Leader of Opposition L K Advani, Infosys President Nandan Nilekani, former South African president Nelson Mandela and authors Naomi Wolf and Suketu Mehta.

Schroeder, in his address, supported the Indo-US Civilian Nuclear Agreement describing it as an "expression" of India's aspiration for progress and develolment but said the deal involved certain responsibilities which must be fulfilled.

"The agreement is an expression of India's sovereign position and its aspiration for economic progress. India has done a commendable job in negotiating for energy. I can't find fault with it. Overall it is a good step by India to follow its aspirations," he said.

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He, however, said the agreement entailed certain responsibilities and all safeguards must be followed. Schroeder also said the new government in his country would not send troops to Iraq.

The country must be brought back to stability and prevented from disintegrating, he said.

In his address, the former German chancellor said nobody had denied Iran the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy but the Iranian government must be convinced to give up the right to produce and use nuclear weapons.

"The most reasonable, and I think the only way, to achieve this objective is by continuing on the path of negotiations. We should strongly support Russia's suggestion made in the last negotiations with Iran which provides a strong basis for solving the problem through diplomatic exchange," he said.

Urging Iran to "fully and whole-heartedly" cooperate with the IAEA, he said it was important that this cooperation paid off for Iran in terms of economy and technology.

"We must avoid discrimination. Iran's rights as a sovereign state must be respected. The use of violence or the threat thereof, are unsuitable means of convincing Iran of the benefits of dialogue," he added.