S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 001453

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/24/2013
TAGS: MARR PARM PREL MNUC MASS KN YM COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: U/S BOLTON'S VISIT TO YEMEN: MEETING WITH
PRESIDENTIAL ATOMIC ENERGY ADVISOR

Classified By: Charge Alan G. Misenheimer for Reasons 1.5 (b,d)


1. (S/NF) Begin summary: On June 17, Under Secretary John
Bolton met with Dr. Moustafa Bahran, Chairman of the Yemeni
National Atomic Energy Commission (NATEC) and science advisor
to ROYG President Saleh. Discussing the U.S. campaign to
target and cut off revenue that funds North Korea's nuclear
program, Bahran advised concentrating on the Ministry of
Defense (MOD) and suggested the U.S. keep Yemen's development
needs in mind. Bahran outlined his work with the IAEA to
secure nuclear materials and radioactive sources, proposed a
joint Yemen-U.S.-UK-France resolution on the security of
radioactive sources, and suggested a regional initiative to
strengthen nuclear and radioactive controls. End summary.

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Yemen-DPRK Cooperation
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2. (S/NF) During a working breakfast on June 17, U/S Bolton
and the Chairman of Yemen,s National Atomic Energy
Commission Dr. Moustafa Bahran discussed several issues,
including Yemen's relationship with the DPRK. Bolton noted
that, while the U.S. is pursuing a diplomatic solution, it is
also working to undermine the DPRK's nuclear program by
stopping weapons sales and other transactions that provide
funding. Transit and purchasing countries, especially those
in the Middle East, must say "No" to the DPRK. He called
Yemen the most important stop on his tour because of its
known DPRK SCUD missile purchases, highlighted by the
December 2002 interception of the So San cargo vessel. The
time has come for ROYG to join the international community in
denouncing North Korea's unacceptable behavior.


3. (S/NF) Bahran said that Yemen-DPRK cooperation is purely
a question of cost. The U.S. must convince the Ministry of
Defense (MOD), not the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), of
the importance of this issue. The MOD would have no problem

working with the U.S. if convinced the U.S. offered
affordable, realistic alternatives. However, Bahran
cautioned, if the price difference is too high, MOD will
object.


4. (S/NF) U/S Bolton suggested that the positive political
gains of ending cooperation with the DPRK should also be
calculated into the "final price". The cooperation that led
to resolution of the So San incident is only one example of
the larger U.S.-Yemen partnership that the ROYG should take
into consideration. Bahran advised that if the USG shows
consideration for Yemen's critical development needs, the
DPRK problem would end.


5. (S/NF) U/S Bolton said that during a recent meeting of
11 countries in Madrid -- including Japan, a major donor to
Yemen -- a decision was made to conduct more operations like
the Spanish interdiction of the So San. In light of the
growing threat posed by North Korea's weapons program, Bolton
noted these countries are willing to accept the burden of
interdiction costs.

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Security of Nuclear Materials and Radioactive Sources
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6. (C) Bahran noted that, in December 2000, Yemen was one
of the first countries to raise the issue of protection and
physical security of radioactive sources (PSRS). In 2002,
Yemen co-drafted and co-sponsored IAEA resolution
GC/46/Res/13. While the resolution is adequate, it does not
do enough to address PSRS. Bahran then outlined his efforts
to enlist support for the passage of a three-part resolution
at September's IAEA General Conference covering illicit
trafficking, nuclear materials, and radioactive sources. He
met with the French Nuclear Commission in May, and plans to
approach his counterparts in the U.S. and the UK later this
summer to garner support for the resolution. U/S Bolton then
offered to assist Bahran in scheduling a meeting with
Secretary Abraham at the Department of Energy.

SIPDIS

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Regional Initiative
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7. (C) Bahran cited poor security in many Gulf states as
the impetus for the formation of a regional authority to
harmonize PSRS licensing and enforcement. By contributing to
regional security, a ROYG-led initiative might also help
Yemen's bid to join the Gulf Cooperation Council. Bahran
said President Saleh would send him to talk to Gulf leaders,
but ROYG would appreciate U.S. assistance to set the stage
with the GCC. U/S Bolton agreed to carry Bahran's ideas back
to Washington, but again suggested he raise these issues with
Secretary Abraham directly.

SIPDIS


8. (C) Comment: Dr. Bahran obviously enjoyed his meeting
with U/S Bolton, and asked the U/S when he was meeting with
the President. At that point, no meeting had been requested
or scheduled. Two hours later, President Saleh's office
called to request an immediate meeting at the Presidential
Palace (septel). It appears likely that Bahran was directly
responsible, reflecting the close relations between President
Saleh and his science advisors.

MISENHEIMER