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