Brief: Austria

THE Nuclear Suppliers Group has approved a contentious US plan to sell peaceful nuclear material technology to India, delegates at the 45-nation talks said yesterday.

The officials, who met in Vienna, said the talks had overcome misgivings expressed by Austria, Ireland and New Zealand. One delegate said yesterday's session produced "a total consensus" on the deal, which would reverse more than three decades of US policy toward India.

India has tested atomic weapons and refused to sign international non-proliferation treaties.

Austria issued a statement saying it lifted its objections after India pledged not to start a new nuclear arms race or share sensitive nuclear technology with other countries. Austria's government called that pledge "decisive".