Thursday, March 9 2006 10:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: The Bush Administration has rejected the notion that proceeding with the civilian nuclear energy agreement with India undercuts America's dealing with Iran on the issue, stressing that the US looks at both the cases differently.

Testifying before the Full International Relations Committee of the House of Representatives yesterday(Mar 8, 2006), Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns said that unlike 'autocratic' Iran, India was not rejecting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"Iran is autocratic and adversarial and one of the greatest threats to the world today. India. Is ready to bring the IAEA in for the first time to place safeguards on a great majority of Indian facilities. The Iranians are trying to kick the IAEA out," Burns said in response to a question.

"So these two countries are going in opposite directions, both in our relationship and with that of the IAEA," the senior administration official remarked.

Replying to queries as to the kind of international support the nuclear deal with India had, he said the IAEA, France, United Kingdom and Australia have expressed support for the agreement.

"(French) President (Jacques) Chirac, (British) Prime Minister (Tony) Blair, (Australian) Prime Minister (John) Howard and (IAEA chief Mohammed) ElBaradei have all expressed support of the President's initiative with India," Burns said.

"We think we are far better off bringing India into the non proliferation system. India is seeking inclusion; Iran is seeking exclusion," Burns added.