WASHINGTON — Nicholas Burns, key negotiator for the India-U.S nuclear deal, has decided to quit the Bush administration for what has been described as personal reasons.
Announcing the surprise resignation of Burns, U.S Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said he had decided to retire in order to attend to family concerns.
Rice said Burns would leave in March but would continue to have a role on the India-U.S nuclear deal, which must clear several hurdles, including an India-specific protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency and clearance from the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group.
The agreement that would resume nuclear commerce between India and the U.S after 30 years has to be finally approved by the U.S Congress, before it can take effect.
Nicholas Burns, is a former U.S ambassador to NATO and has been a key player in negotiating the two UN Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program.
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