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