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