REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT FOR INDIA CIVIL

UNCLAS PARIS 005862 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR ISN/NESS - STRATFORD, EUR/WE UNVIE FOR LISA HILLIARD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNNP ENRG ETTC MNUC PARM PREL TRGY FR SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT FOR INDIA CIVIL NUCLEAR COOPERATION INITIATIVE AT OCTOBER 2006 NUCLEAR SUPPLIERS GROUP MEETING - FRENCH RESPONSE REF: STATE 140484 ¶1. (SBU) On 28 August, Embassy ESTH/NP Counselor and ESTH/NP officer jointly presented arguments and papers to French MFA Deputy Director for Nonproliferation and Disarmament Hugues De Longevialle concerning French support for the India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative at the October 2006 Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) Consultative Group (CG) meeting in Vienna. In response to points, De Longevialle commented that the French position on the Initiative remained favorable, and referenced the similar civilian nuclear agreement France had reached with India. He pointed out, however, that several members of the NSG needed further convincing regarding the merits of the Initiative within the broader context of the NSG's nonproliferation goals. ESTH/NP counselor acknowledged that the issue will likely be a topic of discussion at the CG meeting, adding that for this reason the U.S. was seeking statements of support for the Initiative from France and other participating governments. De Longevialle concluded by assuring embassy officers that his office would further review the U.S. request, but that France would be prepared to argue in favor of the Initiative at the CG meeting in Vienna. Please visit Paris' Classified Website at: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm STAPLETON