CZECH REACTION TO U.S. PROPOSAL TO ENABLE CIVIL

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 001600 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/08/2015 TAGS: IN KNNP PARM PREL SUBJECT: CZECH REACTION TO U.S. PROPOSAL TO ENABLE CIVIL NUCLEAR COOPERATION WITH INDIA BY THE NUCLEAR SUPPLIER GROUP REF: A. SECSTATE 190856 ¶B. SECSTATE 203310 Classified By: Political Officer Steve Tagai for reasons 1.4 b+d ¶1. (C) On 9 November, PolOff met with Pavel Klucky, new MFA deputy director for international organizations with primary responsibility for non-proliferation, and reviewed Ref demarches. Klucky stated that the Czech government was in general agreement with the U.S. proposal, noting the potential economic value of any resulting trade agreements for the development of peaceful, civilian Indian programs. Klucky said that the initial reaction to the proposal was very positive though specific technical details and safeguards would need to be provided prior to receiving the Czech endorsement. The Czech government did not want to be seen as getting out in front on the proposal without the assurance that the legitimacy of international agreements and the framework of the NPT would be preserved. ¶2. (C) Klucky stressed that a proposed agreement must contain robust safeguards to prevent the diversion of fissile materials from civilian to military programs, extremely strict lines of demarcation preventing the use of spent fuel for military purposes, a commitment to apply NPT-like safeguards to the civilian program, and a clear definition of the types of material and equipment that could be provided to the Indian civilian program. ¶3. (C) Klucky also expressed the concern that the U.S. legislative process would impede the negotiations process. He was especially interested to learn if the proposal was receiving broad bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress. ¶4. (C) Klucky said that in his opinion, the proposal recognized the realities in the region, offered a means by which some form of international control could be extended to the Indian civilian program, while potentially constraining the further expansion of Indian military programs. CABANISS