TUWAITHA SITE SECURITY

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 001787 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/29/2017 TAGS: IZ KNNP MOPS PARM PGOV PINS PTER TRGY SUBJECT: TUWAITHA SITE SECURITY Classified By: AMBASSADOR RYAN CROCKER FOR REASONS 1.5 (b) and (d) ¶1. (S/REL MNF-I) SUMMARY: On Sunday, May 27, 2007, Emboffs met with Dr. Srood R. Najib, the head of the International Organization for Multilateral Cooperation within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A substantial portion of the discussion involved the nuclear materials stored at the Tuwaitha site. Dr. Najib stated that it was extremely important that the nuclear materials stored at the site, radioactive sources and natural uranium (yellow cake),be removed as soon as possible, hopefully within the next two months. He also expressed concern that the site was being targeted by Iranian-trained insurgents, and called security at the site &seriously inadequate.8 END SUMMARY ¶2. (S/REL MNF-I) During a May, 27, 2007, meeting with Dr. Najib, Econoffs and the Energy Attach discussed issues associated with the storage of certain radioactive sources and natural uranium (yellow cake) at the Tuwaitha site. Dr. Najib stated that it was imperative that the materials be removed as quickly as possible. He stated that individuals in the area had been sent to Iran for training with the specific objective of obtaining the nuclear materials stored at Tuwaitha, and that he anticipated some action by these individuals to obtain the materials within the next two months. (Note: Previous information on this subject stated that individuals in the area had been trained in Iran and were using facilities at the Tuwaitha for illicit activities, including kidnapping and weapons transport and storage. At this writing, post has been unable to corroborate Dr. Najib,s representation that the nuclear materials are a specific target of any illicit activities.) ¶3. (S/REL MNF-I) Dr. Najib also stated that much of the yellow cake was packaged in drums and ready for removal. This assessment differs from other reports indicating that significant work remains to be accomplished before the yellow cake can be removed and transported to another location. ¶4. (S/REL MNF-I) As for the radioactive sources, Emboffs noted that the USG had requested that the GoI identify a use for the sources as part of a strategy to dispose of or relocate the sources, but that the GoI had not yet responded to the request. Dr. Najib stated that he preferred that all the sources currently located at Tuwaitha be removed and returned to entities from which they were purchased or that they be stored by the U.S. until suitable disposition of the sources can be arranged. He noted that if the GoI identified some need for the sources in the future, sources could be purchased as needed at that time. ¶5. (S/REL MNF-I) Emboffs stated that they anticipated consultations with the Minister of Science and Technology the next day and were intending to discuss these issues with him. Dr. Najib stated that he was a member of a committee established by the Prime Minister,s office and that these decisions would be made at levels above the Minister of Science and Technology. Dr. Najib also stated that this committee will meet again soon and would welcome the identification and participation of a representative of the Embassy. Embassy officials will meet with the Minister of Science and Technology and, again with Dr. Najib this week on this topic. CROCKER