EGYPT'S INTERIM RESPONSE ON NUCLEAR FUEL CONCEPT

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 005237 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/20/2016 TAGS: KNNP PARM PREL IAEA UN EG SUBJECT: EGYPT'S INTERIM RESPONSE ON NUCLEAR FUEL CONCEPT PAPER REF: STATE 129965 Classified by Minister Counselor for Economic and Political Affairs William R. Stewart for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). (C) MFA Disarmament Office Director Dr. Hossam Aly told poloff August 15 that Egypt has not yet reached a firm position on the proposal for reliable access to nuclear fuel and would welcome an opportunity for dialogue on the matter. He expressed some concern, however, that the mechanism was aimed at compelling participation in the Additional Protocol (AP) and preventing nations from developing nuclear technology for peaceful uses. Dr. Aly suggested that the focus on the AP is misplaced and that the IAEA should instead address the lack of universality and compliance problems. For now, Dr. Aly noted, the GOE has made a political decision not to develop nuclear technology any further. However, the GOE does not oppose the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership. Dr. Aly promised to study the concept paper closely and provide additional comments. RICCIARDONE