2006年VOA标准英语-Bush Signs Law Implementing US-India Nuclear De

By Paula Wolfson
White House
18 December 2006

President Bush has signed legislation clearing the way for U.S. civilian¹ nuclear cooperation with India. VOA's Paula Wolfson reports administration officials see it as a landmark² event, ushering³ in a new strategic partnership⁴ between Washington and New Delhi.

President Bush, seated, center, surrounded by members of Congress and officials, signs US-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act at the White House, 18 Dec 2006

President Bush says a new era in U.S.-Indian relations has begun.

"The relationship between the United States and India has never been more vital, and this bill will help us meet the energy and security challenges of the 21st century," he said.

With the stroke of a pen, Mr. Bush ended a three-decade-old ban on U.S. civilian nuclear cooperation with India, enabling the agreement he signed earlier in the year with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to go forward and signalling a major shift in United States policy.

The legislation he signed, in essence, exempts⁵ India from U.S. law that bars civilian nuclear trade with countries that refuse to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Washington banned such exports to help stop the spread of nuclear weapons.

President Bush stressed India has always conducted its program in a safe and responsible manner. And he noted⁶ that in return for American technology, India has agreed to open its civilian nuclear-power program to international inspectors⁷ for the first time.

"This is an important achievement for the whole world," he said. "After 30 years outside the system, India will now operate its civilian nuclear energy program under internationally accepted guidelines - and the world is going to be safer as a result."

But India's nuclear weapons program will remain off-limits to inspectors. Before the signing ceremony, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns, the chief U.S. negotiator on the nuclear deal, said the administration felt it was acceptable to separate out India's nuclear arsenal⁸ in order to get the civilian nuclear agreement.

He said India has been a good steward⁹ of its nuclear weapons arsenal. And while he made clear the United States would prefer to see India give up its nuclear arms, he said it is now time to bring a country that "has not cheated into the international system."

Burns said while the nuclear cooperation deal is vital on a strategic level, it also has economic and environmental benefits for both India and the United States.

At the signing ceremony, President Bush noted that it will help ease India's energy demands, and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

"India is now the world's fifth largest consumer of energy - and its demand for electricity is expected to double by 2015," he said. "The United States has a clear interest in helping¹⁰ India meet this demand with nuclear energy."

Several hurdles¹¹ remain before U.S. nuclear transfers to India can begin, including approval by the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group, which regulates nuclear trade, and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

But Burns indicated moving forward should not be a problem, saying many other countries were waiting for the United States to take the first step. He predicted all the necessary action will be taken in about six months.

1 civilian   

adj.平民的，民用的，民众的

参考例句：

• There is no reliable information about civilian casualties.关于平民的伤亡还没有确凿的信息。
• He resigned his commission to take up a civilian job.他辞去军职而从事平民工作。

2 landmark   

n.陆标，划时代的事，地界标

参考例句：

• The Russian Revolution represents a landmark in world history.俄国革命是世界历史上的一个里程碑。
• The tower was once a landmark for ships.这座塔曾是船只的陆标。

3 ushering   

v.引，领，陪同( usher的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• They were right where the coach-caller was swinging open a coach-door and ushering in two ladies. "他们走到外面时，叫马车的服务员正打开车门，请两位小姐上车。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
• Immediately the two of them approached others, thanking them, ushering them out one by one. 他们俩马上走到其他人面前，向他们道谢，一个个送走了他们。 来自辞典例句

4 partnership   

n.合作关系，伙伴关系

参考例句：

• The company has gone into partnership with Swiss Bank Corporation.这家公司已经和瑞士银行公司建立合作关系。
• Martin has taken him into general partnership in his company.马丁已让他成为公司的普通合伙人。

5 exempts   

使免除[豁免]( exempt的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• This privilege, however, exempts only predecisional documents. 然而，此特权只免除那些文件在作出决定之前的披露责任。
• Function effectiveness: After then special-purpose, exempts the flushing formula. 功能效用：便后专用，免冲洗配方。

6 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

7 inspectors   

n.检查员( inspector的名词复数 )；（英国公共汽车或火车上的）查票员；（警察）巡官；检阅官

参考例句：

• They got into the school in the guise of inspectors. 他们假装成视察员进了学校。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Inspectors checked that there was adequate ventilation. 检查员已检查过，通风良好。 来自《简明英汉词典》

8 arsenal   

n.兵工厂，军械库

参考例句：

• Even the workers at the arsenal have got a secret organization.兵工厂工人暗中也有组织。
• We must be the great arsenal of democracy.我们必须成为民主的大军火库。

9 steward   

n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员

参考例句：

• He's the steward of the club.他是这家俱乐部的管理员。
• He went around the world as a ship's steward.他当客船服务员，到过世界各地。

10 helping   

n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的

参考例句：

• The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
• By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。

11 hurdles   

n.障碍( hurdle的名词复数 )；跳栏；（供人或马跳跃的）栏架；跨栏赛

参考例句：

• In starting a new company, many hurdles must be crossed. 刚开办一个公司时，必须克服许多障碍。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• There are several hurdles to be got over in this project. 在这项工程中有一些困难要克服。 来自辞典例句