NETHERLANDS: RESPONSE ON FISSILE MATERIAL CUTOFF

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 001350 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR ISN/MNSA, GENEVA (CD),USUN (POL) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MNUC PARM PREL KNNP CDG SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS: RESPONSE ON FISSILE MATERIAL CUTOFF TREATY DEMARCHE REF: STATE 92033 ¶1. The GONL is very appreciative of recent USG efforts to re-invigorate Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT) negotiations at the Conference on Disarmament (CD). MFA Head of Nuclear Affairs and Non-proliferation Paul Wilke said that the GONL disagrees with the USG on several issues related to the FMCT, but these should be addressed within the framework of CD negotiations. He welcomed the opportunity to work with the U.S. delegation in Geneva to develop a consensus to begin FMCT negotiations "as soon as possible." Wilke discussed reftel with polmiloff on June 15. ¶2. Wilke hoped that the USG could be more "flexible" with regard to negotiations. He endorsed the U.S. approach that there should be no linkage between FMCT negotiations and other efforts, and fully agreed with pursuing a negotiating mandate "without prejudice" to national positions. He argued, however, that there is a fine line between "rejecting linkage" and answering a partner country's concerns on another issue. He cited the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) as an example. While the Russian PAROS proposal was "clearly immature" and not constructive, Wilke argued that several friends and allies of the USG are seized with the issue; their concerns should not be dismissed "out of hand." U.S. refusal to even talk about the effort raises suspicions about U.S. activities in outer space. Wilke said the GONL was willing to discuss with the USG its PAROS redlines. BLAKEMAN