RUSSIA PROMISES CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR U.S. GOALS

UNCLAS MOSCOW 003244 SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR STATE ISN/NESS RDELABARRE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG ETTC KNNP MNUC PARM TRGY IAEA RS SUBJECT: RUSSIA PROMISES CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR U.S. GOALS ON CRITERIA-BASED APPROACH FOR ENR TRANSFERS REF: STATE 115509 ¶1. (SBU) ESTOff delivered reftel demarche to Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Security and Disarmament Affairs Second Secretary Alexander Bolichiov on November 5. Bolichiov was clear that the GOR continues to support the revised U.S. criteria-based proposal for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) control of transfers of enrichment and reprocessing (ENR) equipment and technology. Bolichiov indicated that the Russian delegation will be given flexibility to work with the U.S. and others at the November 19 meeting. ¶2. (SBU) Bolichiov expressed concern that if there were changes made since the draft circulated at the May 22 meeting in Berlin, he has not received the document. If there were "substantial" changes to the document, they might exceed the Russian delegation's authority to act. He also asked "What is the next step? If consensus is reached, what if Canada or Japan come forward requesting the transfer such technology? What will the be the U.S. position?" Post will follow up with ISN/NESS as appropriate to respond to his query. BEYRLE