Talks on for "acceptable compromise" on Iran N-issue: India

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Last updated on: October 01, 2005 12:16 IST

Observing that it was encouraging a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear issue, India on Friday said negotiations were on to bring about an "acceptable compromise" to the matter.

Denying that New Delhi's vote against Iran at the International Atomic Energy Agency was influenced by the Indo-US nuclear deal, official sources said postponement of the vote on the Iran issue had provided time to allow diplomatic efforts to play their part.

"Negotiations are taking place, discussions are on to find an acceptable compromise," the sources said in New Delhi.

They said even before the vote, there were a lot of diplomatic efforts.

"Iran is saying it is interested in a diplomatic solution. We are encouraging that," they said, noting that Tehran was ready to cooperate.

Insisting that India's position on the issue had been consistent, the sources said the Indo-US nuclear deal had nothing to do with New Delhi's vote against Iran.

"There is nothing hidden in the Indo-US nuclear deal, which has been spelt out in the Joint Statement of July 18," they said adding, "at that time, who had thought there would be a vote on Iran's nuclear issue."

The sources refused to predict how India would vote when the issue again comes up in November.

With regard to Indo-US nuclear deal, they said a Joint Working Group has been set up, which will meet in October to discuss separation of civil and nuclear aspects.

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