JAPAN UNDECIDED ON SYRIAN-IAEA COOPERATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 003395

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

FOR ISN/RA JODY DANIEL AND BRECK HEIDLEBERG

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/09/2018
TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM IAEA TRGY JA
SUBJECT: JAPAN UNDECIDED ON SYRIAN-IAEA COOPERATION
PROJECT; SUGGESTS POSSIBLE TRANSPARENCY GAINS

REF: SECSTATE 127578

Classified By: Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer for reasons
1.5 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Econoff delivered demarche contained in reftel to
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) International Nuclear
Cooperation Deputy Director Shoichi Nagayoshi and
Non-proliferation, Science, and Nuclear Energy Division
action officer for Syria Shingo Ito December 9. In response,
Nagayoshi noted the GoJ has not yet formulated an official
position on this issue. During the meeting, he frequently
referred to his notes and said that "reality is moving faster
than we (MOFA) are on this issue."


2. (C) Nagayoshi made one comment regarding Japan's
deliberations on the issue that appears to be at odds with
the U.S. position. He noted that MOFA, after consulting
with Japan's mission to the IAEA, sees a possible benefit
from IAEA cooperation with Syria. Specifically, assistance
could provide the international community greater insight
into the internal workings of Syria's program. In response
to Econoff's reftel-directed comments urging non-support of
the project, he noted several times this was only a
"preliminary observation" and the GoJ would take U.S.
concerns into account when formulating its policy.


3. (C) Nagayoshi promised to inform us if the GoJ takes an
official position on supporting the Syrian project. Also, as
has generally been the case after we deliver
non-proliferation related demarches, Nagayoshi asked what
reactions we have received from other states receiving the
demarche. Econoff told him we had no information to share on
that topic at this time.
SCHIEFFER