Thursday, 16 August, 2007

ABC Radio Australia

The head of the body governing Australia's nuclear research and development, Dr Ziggy Switkowski, says he approves of the decision to sell uranium to India.

The Australian federal cabinet's National Security Committee approved the decision on Tuesday night, despite concerns that India has not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Dr Switkowski says while the situation is not ideal, it is a step in the right direction.

"It would be nice if India and other countries like India were part of the international community that were compliant with the non-proliferation treaty, but they're not," he said.

"But they do have, and in many ways what this agreement foreshadows, is an attempt to meet legitimate needs in India."