New Delhi: With main opposition BJP pressing for rejection of the US legislation on civil nuclear deal with India, the Government yesterday (Dec 10, 2006) said External Affairs minister Pranab Mukhejree would make a statement on the agreement in Parliament.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi made the announcement close on the heels of BJP demanding rejection of the agreement.

Seeking to play down the saffron opposition, Dasmunsi said "like global warming, it is political warming".

Having a dig at BJP, he said the saffron party was for closer ties with South American countries like Venezuela, led by staunch anti-US President Hugo Chavez, and not the USA.

Dasmunsi said two days18th and 19th of December have been reserved for a discussion on the deal and advancing of the date depends on other businesses of the House.