[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE - Greens call on Pm Howard to rule out uranium sales to India

[Willis, Katrina (Sen C. Milne)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Monday, 25 September 2006

Greens call on PM Howard to rule out uranium sales to India

The Australian Greens today expressed concern that Prime Minister John
Howard is open to a change of policy on uranium sales to India.

"It is clear that the Indian government is putting pressure on Australia
to undermine the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and sell it
uranium," Greens energy spokesperson Senator Christine Milne said.

"Prime Minister Howard must rule out such a deal and not use the guise
of improved Australia-India relations as the excuse to change policy.

"Just because the United States is prepared to turn its back on
international law, that is no reason for Australia to follow suit.

"The Australian government has complicated its position because of its
decision to sell uranium to China, which India has referred to,
demonstrating the repercussions for regional stability of making more
uranium available.

"Furthermore, Australia should use its position on the Nuclear Suppliers
Group to veto the US deal to sell nuclear technology to India.

"The Nuclear Suppliers Group makes decisions by consensus, so that any
member has a veto.

"The nuclear NPT is not a mere piece of paper. It is international law
that has at its heart the aim of ending the proliferation of nuclear
weapons. It must be maintained."

Contact: Katrina Willis 03 6234 4566 or 0437 587 562

Katrina Willis
Adviser
Senator Christine Milne
Phone 03 6234 4566
Fax 03 6234 2144
Mobile 0437 587 562
www.christinemilne.org.au