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Vienna: Austria has indicated that it will "probably support" India's safeguards agreement despite its fiercely anti-nuclear policy - just days before the International Atomic Energy Agency board meets here on Friday.
"Austria is reluctant. We would be happier if India explored other sources of energy to meet its growing needs but Austria also understands that every country has its own specific needs. Austria will probably support India on August 1," a senior Austrian diplomat said on condition of anonymity.
Under pressure
Austria is under pressure from the Green Party, the third largest political party in the country, to vote against India's nuclear deal with the US both at the IAEA board of governor's meet and at the meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). "The Greens are very aware that the 123 Agreement could have a potential backlash on international nuclear non-proliferation. We are also concerned that this agreement will weaken negotiations with other countries with nuclear ambitions like Iran," Austrian Green Party spokesperson Ulrike Lunacek said.
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