A/S BOUCHER'S MEETING WITH NORWEGIAN DFM JOHANSEN

C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000553 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/28/2016 TAGS: ENRG ETTC PARM PREL IN PGOV PHUM PTER NP CE AF, NO, KNNP, KSCA SUBJECT: A/S BOUCHER'S MEETING WITH NORWEGIAN DFM JOHANSEN REF: OSLO 551 Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor Mike Hammer, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 1.(C) On April 28, following the Sri-Lanka Co-Chairs meeting (reftel),A/S Boucher accompanied by Ambassador Whitney met with Deputy Foreign Minister Raymond Johansen and Sri Lanka Special Envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer. Topics included Norway's role in Afghanistan, India's nuclear program, Iran, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Norwegians Remain Committed to Afghanistan -------------- 2.(C) DFM Johansen stated that Afghanistan was "quite important for Norway," and reviewed his country's Afghanistan commitments, including the Norwegian troop presence and the Norwegian-led PRT in Meymaneh. He stated that Norway's Afghanistan commitments were an important part in the war on terror. In particular, he noted the long-term Norwegian engagement in Northern Afghanistan and reiterated that he wanted the U.S. to "know we are committed," as evidenced by the substantial troop contributions in relation to Norway's small population. He also cited Norway's goal to get Norwegian humanitarian groups increasingly involved in Afghanistan. 3.(C) Johansen expressed concern over ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He pointed out that the growing influence of Pakistani-Norwegians domestically, as this ethnic group is Norway's largest minority in a fairly homogeneous. To demonstrate the depth of engagement, the Norwegians noted a recent trip to Afghanistan involving five Norwegian Deputy Ministers (two from the MFA, the remainder from the Ministries of Justice and Defense, in addition to the Prime Minster's Office). The group came back energized from the trip, feeling that Norwegian contributions were making a difference and that if anything Norway's commitments should increase. Johansen hinted that more assistance for Afghanistan would be included in the government's next budget (Note: Norway is committed to providing USD 32 million in development assistance annually through 2010. End note.) A/S Boucher commended Norway's engagement, specifically citing the importance of civilian aid work and the value of the PRTs. India Nuclear Concerns -------------- 4.(C) DFM Johansen listed several Norwegian concerns related to the U.S-Indian civil nuclear cooperation agreement, including the long-term implications (e.g. Indian benefits despite not following NPT obligations),clarifying the scope of Indian compliance with IAEA issues and the willingness of India to accept a clause terminating the agreement if India conducts nuclear tests. Johansen also raised that Norway was "quite concerned" that India has not signed the CTBT and has no cap placed on fissile material. Finally, Johansen also worried that Pakistan would pursue closer ties to China in light of the U.S.-India deal. ¶5. (C) A/S Boucher systematically addressed each of Johansen's concerns, emphasizing that Norway should look at the strategic value of the U.S.-India deal beyond the non-proliferation issues. In consideration of the important overall benefits, Boucher urged that Norway support the agreement. Expanding Role in Nepal -------------- ¶6. (C) Johansen discussed Nepal and encouraged U.S. involvement. In light of the recent positive political developments, Norway would continue existing long-term assistance and is considering additional "quick impact" projects. A/S Boucher noted he would be visiting Kathmandu shortly and welcomed Norway's interest in assisting with the democratic development of Nepalese political parties. Sri Lanka -------------- ¶7. (C) Johansen commended the efforts of the April 28 Sri Lanka Co-Chairs meeting, including those of Special Envoy Hanssen-Bauer, to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. He expressed appreciation for the close cooperation between the U.S. and Norway on Sri Lanka. Iran: Shared Concern -------------- ¶8. (C) DFM Johansen (who visited Tehran in February) was "very concerned" with Iran, finding the situation there was "not at all heading in the right direction." While hoping to avoid conflict, Johansen advocated that the "international community must be involved." A/S Boucher noted that there must be consequences for Iranian action and underscored that the international community must stand firm. ¶9. (U) A/S Boucher did not have an opportunity to clear this message. Visit Oslo's Classified website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/oslo/index.cf m WHITNEY