(S) INSTRUCTIONS TO PRESS IAEA FOR EARLIEST

S E C R E T STATE 072006 E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/03/2018 TAGS: ENRG IN IAEA PGOV PREL KNNP SUBJECT: (S) INSTRUCTIONS TO PRESS IAEA FOR EARLIEST POSSIBLE BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING TO CONSIDER INDIA CIVIL NUCLEAR SAFEGUARDS SUBMISSION Classified By: Acting IO A/S Brian Hook, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraphs 3-5. ¶2. (S) Background: Department understands Indian Prime Minister Singh has privately sought his party,s backing to submit the safeguards agreement to the IAEA Board of Governors for approval and hopes to inform President Bush at the July 7-9 G8 Summit in Japan that the deal will proceed. While the timing of India,s formal submission to the IAEA remains unclear, immediately following submission the U.S. must be prepared to push -- in concert with Indian counterparts -- for the earliest possible IAEA Board of Governors meeting to fast-track the Board,s approval of India,s safeguards agreement with the Agency. We want to abbreviate considerably the 45 day period provided for under Rule 18 of the Provisional Rules of Procedure of the Board of Governors. Separately, the G-8 Summit also will provide an opportunity to mitigate any resistance to calling for a Special Board meeting (Canada and others reportedly object), as well as for Prime Minister Singh to lobby personally all of the G8 leaders for their endo rsement. End Background. ¶3. (S) Action Request: Request Ambassador and DCM immediately and privately press IAEA senior-most leadership, including Director General El-Baradei, to consult with the Chairman of the Board in order that a Special Meeting of the Board may be scheduled as soon as possible after the Indian government has submitted the safeguards agreement. We want to underscore that: (1) the United States would appreciate IAEA leadership encouraging a prompt Board meeting focused on the technical aspects of the safeguards agreement; and (2) we believe the Nuclear Suppliers Group is the appropriate forum to raise broader issues with the Initiative including any political caveats (e.g., prohibition on nuclear testing). ¶4. (S) Department appreciates Post,s understanding that the United States must allow the Indian government to publicly announce forward movement on the civil nuclear initiative before issuing any public United States message. Department further appreciates Post ensuring that IAEA leaders likewise allow the Indians to take the public lead. We note that in the past, notifying other IAEA missions of sensitive information has resulted in leaks to the press. ¶5. (S) Once India has decided to move forward, post is requested to coordinate closely its efforts with Indian counterparts in Vienna to ensure they are proactively engaging the IAEA Secretariat and Board members concurrently. Department understands there is a possible Special Session of the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna on Monday, July 7, to approve two budgetary issues. Assuming the Indian government,s submission has occurred by this time, this meeting may offer a suitable and convenient opportunity to raise these issues quickly. End Action Request. ¶6. (U) Department requests reporting on substantive reactions and greatly appreciates post,s continuing assistance in this matter. Working-level POC for India Civil-Nuclear Cooperation is Jason McClellan, SCA/RA, 202-6471136; mcclellanjc@state.gov. RICE NNNN End Cable Text