Lawmakers urge Bush to shelve Russia nuclear deal

[jpak]

http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKN0729797520080507

WASHINGTON, May 7 (Reuters) - Key U.S. lawmakers urged President George W. Bush on Wednesday to shelve a civilian nuclear cooperation pact with Russia until concerns about Russia's nuclear ties to Iran are cleared up.

Letters from members of the House of Representatives and the Senate expressed widespread unease on Capitol Hill about links between Moscow and Iran. Washington believes the latter harbors ambitions to acquire a nuclear weapon.

"Prior to consideration of this agreement, Congress needs a detailed assessment of Russian assistance to all aspects of Iran's nuclear and missile programs," said a letter to Bush from Rep. John Dingell, who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. Bart Stupak, chairman of the subcommittee on investigations. Both are Michigan Democrats.

In the Senate, a missive to Bush signed by 32 senators said Russia's "increasingly abrasive foreign policy" was one reason Bush should not send the civilian nuclear cooperation deal to Congress for review.

<more>