INITIAL FRENCH COMMENTS RE IAEA COMMITTEE ON

UNCLAS PARIS 005866 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNNP PARM TRGY ENRG FR IAEA SUBJECT: INITIAL FRENCH COMMENTS RE IAEA COMMITTEE ON SAFEGUARDS AND VERIFICATION REF: STATE 159113 ¶1. (SBU) We presented August 30 reftel talking points and non-paper to MFA action officer for IAEA issues Hugues de Longevialle. He confirmed that he was aware of the June IAEA decision to establish a committee on Safeguards and Verification, but noted that the MFA had not had an opportunity to develop a French position, especially given that many officials have been on summer leave. He welcomed our non-paper, adding that the MFA looked forward to using it as a basis for a French action plan. De Longevialle said he would share with us some initial French thoughts on the issue, hopefully as early as next week. ¶2. (U) BIO NOTE: De Longevialle informed us that he has been assigned to replace Veronique Vouland as Francois Richier's deputy in the MFA's Disarmament office. Richier remains the DAS-equivalent director of the office. STAPLETON