IRELAND SEEKS MORE DETAILS ON U.S.-INDIA NUCLEAR

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 000968 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/31/2015 TAGS: ENRG ETTC KNNP PARM PREL SUBJECT: IRELAND SEEKS MORE DETAILS ON U.S.-INDIA NUCLEAR COOPERATION REF: STATE 133163 Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission, A/I, Mary E. Daly; Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D). ¶1. (C) On July 29, Post delivered reftel talking points to Therese Healy, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) First Secretary for Disarmament and Nonproliferation. Healy said SIPDIS that the GOI was studying the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative and would appreciate additional information before the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) Consultative Group discussions in October. Specifically, the GOI seeks clarity on USG proposals to square the Initiative with the NSG Guidelines and NPT. In light of U.S. intentions to provide fuel for India's Tarapur reactors, for example, the GOI is interested in U.S. proposals to change NSG/NPT rules requiring countries to have full-scope safeguards as a condition of nuclear supply. Healy also questioned how the U.S.-India Initiative would comport with the longstanding EU common position urging all countries to accede to the NPT. She observed that the Initiative, in adopting a special approach for India, would have ramifications for nonproliferation efforts regarding North Korean, Pakistan, Iran, and Israel. Emboff shared with Healy "if asked" points regarding these countries, and she noted that further USG information pertaining to all the cross-cutting issues involved would help Ireland to form a clearer position on the Initiative. ¶2. (C) Comment: Reftel makes clear that Department is working through the implications of the Initiative for U.S. law and for USG interaction with NSG and NPT member countries, and Post looks forward to more information on this effort when available. KENNY