AUSTRALIA GROUP DEMARCHE TO THE FRENCH CONCERNING

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 001525 SIPDIS FOR NP/CBM E.O. 12958: DECL: 10 YEARS TAGS: ETTC PARM PREL FR CBE SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA GROUP DEMARCHE TO THE FRENCH CONCERNING 2005 PLENARY REGIONAL NONPROLIFERATION PROPOSALS (C) REF: SECSTATE 36488 Classified By: EST COUNSELOR ROBERT W. DRY FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) (D) AND (H) ¶1. (C) On 04 March 2005, Embassy EST officer delivered points provided reftel on U.S. proposals for the April 2005 Australia Group (AG) Plenary to French Ministry of Foreign Affairs point-of-contact for AG matters, Etienne Sur. After reading the non-paper, Sur commented that the U.S. proposals struck him as very good ideas that would be well-received by group members. However, he added that before he could comment officially re the French position on the proposals, he would need to consult with his superiors in the Chemical and Biological Disarmament Division. He noted that he hoped to provide an official response to the U.S. proposals in the coming days, and looked forward to working closely with EST officer on AG matters. Leach