IRAQI WMD SCIENTISTS REDIRECTION PROGRAM: TUNISIA

S E C R E T TUNIS 000819 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS STATE FOR ISN/CTR - BOYD AND FISHER; NEA/I/PM - EVANS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/15/2016 TAGS: PTER PINR PINS PARM PREL PREF TS SUBJECT: IRAQI WMD SCIENTISTS REDIRECTION PROGRAM: TUNISIA REQUESTS MORE INFORMATION REF: A. TUNIS 768 ¶B. RABAT 1021 ¶C. STATE 80326 Classified By: Ambassador Robert F. Godec for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (U) This is an action request. See para 3. ¶2. (S/NF) Further to Ref A response on the Iraqi WMD scientist redirection program, MFA Chief of Staff Hatem Atallah today told the Ambassador that the GOT is still considering the proposal, but that the GOT needs further information before making a decision. For starters, he asked, how many scientists would be involved? More specifically, does the USG have a specific number of scientists in mind for Tunisia? Atallah also repeated the question he had posed during the initial demarche: What are the specific areas of expertise of these scientists? ¶3. (S/NF) Embassy requests Department guidance on how to respond to the MFA's questions. We believe it would also be helpful to provide detailed information about the possible institution(s) the USG has under consideration to provide the professional development fellowships and/or how acceptable institutions would be selected. In addition, we agree with Ref B suggestion that it would be useful to clarify whether all related expenses would be paid by the USG, and what would happen after the one-year fellowships are concluded. GODEC