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India yet to decide on signing CTBT, says Vajpayee

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said India is yet to decide whether to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

He was reacting to Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott's report to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright that India had agreed to sign the treaty if economic sanctions are removed.

He said India is holding talks with the US and efforts are being made to reach an agreement on all points of dispute. Yet no decision has been taken on signing the CTBT.

Asked about the incidents of religious conversion, the prime minister said the law in this regard clearly states that conversions should not be allowed under pressure or coercion. There is no need for a new law in this regard.

On the statement of Trinamul Congress leader Mamata Banerjee about forming a national government under her leadership, he said, "Many thanks to Ms Banerjee. But a national government does exist now and I am the prime minister."

UNI

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