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DATE=10/26/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RICHARDSON/INDIA (L)
NUMBER=2-255484
BYLINE=JIM TEEPLE
DATELINE=NEW DELHI
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  Energy Secretary Bill Richardson has wrapped 
up a one-day visit to India by calling for the new 
government to end production of nuclear fissile 
material.  Correspondent Jim Teeple reports from New 
Delhi, Mr. Richardson also urged India to sign the 
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which bans 
testing of nuclear weapons.
Text:  Energy Secretary Bill Richardson signed an 
energy cooperation agreement in New Delhi, but most of 
his public remarks focused on nuclear proliferation. 
Speaking to a gathering of energy executives, Mr. 
Richardson called for India to end production of 
fissile material, strengthen its export controls, 
restrain its missile program, and adhere to the 
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.  
India's Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, says he 
will not sign the Test Ban Treaty unless there is a 
national consensus to do so.  Speaking at the 
conclusion of his official talks, Mr. Richardson said 
the United States understands Mr. Vajpayee's position. 
            // RICHARDSON ACTUALITY //
They want to build a domestic consensus before they 
proceed in that direction with the C-T-B-T.  That is 
India's right and I think it makes a lot of sense.  
You want to explain this issue to your people before 
you formally deal with it.  I think that is a very 
sensible strategy; we are pleased with it.  We want to 
see cooperation in this arena, it is increasing. 
            // END ACTUALITY //
A senior official of India's Foreign Ministry says 
there was no formal discussion of nuclear 
proliferation issues between Mr. Richardson and 
India's Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh.  But those 
topics will be on the agenda when Mr. Singh meets 
Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott in several 
weeks. 
Just before he left New Delhi, Mr. Richardson met with 
Prime Minister Vajpayee to discuss a visit by 
President Clinton to India early next year.
Mr. Richardson says a defense authorization bill that 
Mr. Clinton signed Monday automatically continues a 
waiver of economic sanctions against India.  The 
sanctions were imposed last year after India and 
Pakistan tested nuclear weapons.   (SIGNED) 
NEB/JLT/RAE 
26-Oct-1999 10:31 AM EDT (26-Oct-1999 1431 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.