NEW DELHI, April 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Despite opposition from some
international quarters, Russia Thursday declared it would continue
to assist India in the field of nuclear energy.
   Vladimir B. Roushailo, Secretary of the Russian Federation's
Security Council, told a press conference here that Russia will
continue to provide assistance to India on nuclear energy, despite
opposition from some countries.
   "Moscow has no intention but to help its strategic partner (
India) in this field," he said.
   "We hope that construction of the Kudankulam (nuclear power
plant) project, which has just started in Tamil Nadu, continues as
per schedule. We know how important it is for India," he added.
   However, he said Moscow would continue to urge India to take
steps to join the nuclear non-proliferation club by signing the
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
   Roushailo, who delivered a personal message from Russian
President Vladimir Putin to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Wednesday, met Home Minister L K Advani, Defense Minister George
Fernandes and National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra during his
two-day visit here.
   He said he had held wide-ranging discussions with Indian
leaders on international politics and strategic stability,
including fighting international terrorism, organized crime,
illegal drug and arms trafficking and the problem of infiltration.
   Stating that Moscow attached special importance to
strengthening of its long-standing and multi-faceted relations
with New Delhi, he said that currently the development of
relations between India and Russia have been elevated to a
qualitatively new level of strategic partnership.  Enditem