NORWEGIANS WANT ANSWERS BEFORE DECIDING AN NSG

C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 001076 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/29/2016 TAGS: ETTR ETTC PARM PREL NO KNNP KSCA SUBJECT: NORWEGIANS WANT ANSWERS BEFORE DECIDING AN NSG POSITION REF: OSLO 276 Classified By: DCM Kevin M. Johnson, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) On August 29, we discussed the Norwegian reaction to the U.S.-India nuclear deal with MFA Assistant Secretary Jorg Willy Bronebakk. Bronebakk noted that his government continues to have serious questions regarding the matter, and has not yet determined its position in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). During last week's visit by India's Foreign Secretary, Shyam Saran, the GON recognized India's desire to SIPDIS have a reliable energy supply (and growing energy needs),and accepted that nuclear energy may be an element of an Indian energy strategy. However, Norway remains concerned about the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)'s fate, and questions several aspects of the U.S.-India nuclear agreement, particularly the agreement's timeline and separation of military and civilian efforts. Bronebakk believes that Saran took away a clear impression that serious questions remain outstanding, and until satisfactory answers are received, Norway will not be prepared to reach a conclusion on its NSG position. ¶2. (C) Comment. In light of Bronebakk's comments, Indian press reports signaling Norway's approval of the deal are misleading. The Norwegians clearly have many questions. Bronebakk's comments resemble those previously raised in A/S Boucher's April, 2006 meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Raymond Johansen (ref a) and in our prior meetings with Norwegian Ambassador Roald Naess (ref b). The forums are different, but the message is the same. Visit Oslo's Classified website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/oslo/index.cf m WHITNEY