S23B-04 IRANIAN RESEARCHER SEEKING DUAL USE

S E C R E T PARIS 003282 SIPDIS NOFORN STATE FOR ISN/CB E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/31/2036 TAGS: PARM PREL ETTC FR CBW SUBJECT: S23B-04 IRANIAN RESEARCHER SEEKING DUAL USE RESEARCH ASSISTANCE ON AG-CONTROLLED TOXINS: FRENCH DELIVER RESPONSE REF: STATE 09468 Classified By: ESTH/NP COUNSELOR ROBERT DRY. REASON: 1.4 (B, D, H) ¶1. (S/NF) ESTH officer received non-paper from MFA in response to request contained in REFTEL. Regarding concerns about an Iranian scientist seeking dual-use research assistance from AG countries on AG-controlled toxins, the GOF paper provides five points (roughly translated): --First, the study mentioned in the U.S. non-paper is fundamental medical research; --Second, the intern worked only on the construction of plasmides and recombinant, non-toxic proteins in E.coli systems. Laboratory work took place after the intern left Pasteur. Finally, the intern did not work on botulinum toxins, as mentioned in the publication; --Third, no exchange of sensitive material has taken place with the Institut Pasteur in Iran; --Fourth, the intern only worked on classic biology techniques, already largely accessible; and --Fifth, the intern was already known to the intelligence services during that time. Finally, the GOF wants to convey that the French intelligence services are sensitive to the need to protect scientific and techological knowledge and plan to make a presentation to this effect at the next session of the Australia Group. ¶2. (U) If the Department seeks a copy of the classified French nonpaper, please provide secure fax number to ESTH Officer Kristen Katzer at katzerkm@state.gov. Please visit Paris' Classified Website at: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm Stapleton