JAPANESE RESPONSE AND QUESTIONS ON NSG

UNCLAS TOKYO 003077 SENSITIVE SIPDIS ISN/NESS FOR RDELABARRE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG ETTC KNNP MNUC PARM TRGY IAEA JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE RESPONSE AND QUESTIONS ON NSG CRITERIA-BASED PROPOSAL REF: SECSTATE 115509 ¶1. This is an action request. Please see para 4. ¶2. (SBU) Econoff delivered demarche points contained in ref to Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA),Non-proliferation, Science, and Nuclear Energy official Shinichi Sato October ¶31. Sato responded positively, commenting that the GOJ supports use of a criteria-based approach for transfers of enrichment and reprocessing equipment and technology. He further noted Japan's delegation to the November meeting of the Consultative Group (CG) would have the flexibility and authority to reach an agreement at the meeting. ¶3. (SBU) Sato said his office is following U.S. negotiations on the criteria-based proposal very closely and is aware of USG negotiations with Canada, South Korea, Brazil, and Argentina on the issue. He requested, given various proposals put forth by various countries, an up-to-date copy of the USG proposal, as well as any information that could be shared on the status of USG negotiations with holdout countries. Finally, he said the GOJ may be interested in holding a short, side meeting with the USG, prior to the November 19 CG meeting. ¶4. (SBU) Action request: Post would appreciate the most recent version of the USG proposal for a criteria-based approach to transfers, as well as any updates on the status of negotiations with holdout governments that can be shared with the GOJ. Also, post would welcome comments on the possibility of holding a side meeting with GOJ officials prior to November 19. SCHIEFFER