Washington, April 30
Union foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon began his two-day talks with US officials here today, in a bid to break the stalemate in the proposed 123 agreement — a prerequisite for the implementation of the civilian nuclear deal.
However, tomorrow will see the crucial round of talks when Menon meets under secretary of state for political affairs Nicholas Burns who had publicly voiced “frustration” at the slow pace of negotiations.
Menon is also scheduled to hold discussions with under secretary of state for global affairs Paula Dobriansky and other officials. Their discussion will continue at a “working dinner” hosted by Burns.
The current round of discussion has acquired significance in view of the failure of the experts of the two countries to make any headway during their talks at Cape Town, South Africa, early this month.
Their inability to reach a decision necessitated the “political-level” talks that brought Menon here. There are indications that he will give some suggestion to break the stalemate as both sides want to avoid failure.
— UNI
