ECUADOR SUPPORTS IAEA REFORMS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 QUITO 002116 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNNP AORC TRGY ENRG PGOV PREL EC SUBJECT: ECUADOR SUPPORTS IAEA REFORMS REF: STATE 159113 ¶1. (SBU) PolOff delivered RefTel points on September 12 to MFA Director for Multilateral Affairs, Miguel Mendez, congratulating the GOE for its work on establishing the IAEA Committee on Safeguards and Verification and requesting GOE views on organizational and substantive issues related to the Committee. ¶2. (SBU) Mendez said the GOE considers the creation of the Committee "an important step towards a more open, transparent global dialogue on nuclear non-proliferation." He reiterated the GOE position that states who support terrorist activities should not be allowed to develop nuclear programs, but added that if a nation, like Iran, wants to harness nuclear energy for domestic consumption, they should be given the "benefit of the doubt." He added that all available diplomatic means should be utilized to solve the Iran question. Mendez also expressed concern over reports of a new USG strategic doctrine authorizing nuclear preemptive strikes against terrorist groups and rogue nations. ¶3. (SBU) PolOff also delivered RefTel points to Executive Director of the Ecuadorian Commission on Atomic Energy, Dr. Marco Bravo Salvador. Dr. Bravo said the GOE is supportive of unspecified changes in the IAEA, particularly in the area of nuclear non-proliferation. On a separate but related subject, Dr. Bravo said the Commission is drafting a revision to Ecuador's nuclear control law to increase domestic security of reactors and reduce radioactive exposure by requiring additional licensed, registered inspectors. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: Mendez's reference to Iran suggests that the GOE may support the EU's more permissive approach to restricting Iran's nuclear program. End Comment. JEWELL