(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


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