PAKSITAN OFFICIALS QUESTION SAG NUCLEAR INTENTIONS

S E C R E T RIYADH 002407 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/05/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR SA SUBJECT: PAKSITAN OFFICIALS QUESTION SAG NUCLEAR INTENTIONS REF: RIYADH 02372 Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (S//NF) Pakistan Embassy political officers told PolOff in a December 2 meeting that they recently read a "report" about SAG development of nuclear weapons systems in conjunction with Pakistan. They asked PolOff if the USG knew anything about SAG weapons development or the SAG's intention to develop nuclear weapons in response to the increasing Iranian nuclear threat. PolOff stated that she did not know of such intentions or of such a report, however, she did state that the SAG has publicly commented about their desire for a nuclear-free Middle East. The Pakistani officials continued with their questions and asked again about SAG nuclear weapon systems development. According to these officials, they understand that the SAG does want to protect itself and the region, and since, in their opinion, some of the other regional players-- specifically Egypt-- are unable to develop such weapons systems due to financial constraints, it is logical for the Saudis to step in as the physical "protector" just as the they have been increasingly stepping in as peace mediators in various regional conflicts. ¶2. (S//NF) COMMENT: This is the first direct mention of Saudi-Pakistani nuclear cooperation that we have heard from the Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh. We will report further information as it develops (reftel). GFOELLER