NRC VISIT HIGHLIGHTS US-UAE NUCLEAR COOPERATION POTENTIAL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ABU DHABI 000540

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP AND ISN/RA (STUKALIN)
NRC FOR MFREELAND
AMMAN FOR ESTH HUB OFFICER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG PARM SENV MNUC PGOV AE
SUBJECT: NRC VISIT HIGHLIGHTS US-UAE NUCLEAR COOPERATION POTENTIAL

REFS: A) ABU DHABI 526
B) ABU DHABI 491
C) ABU DHABI 478
D) STATE 34777
E) ABU DHABI 157
F) 08 ABU DHABI 1432

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1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The May 19-21 visit of Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) Executive Director for Operations Bill Borchardt
and Director of International Programs Margie Doane to Abu Dhabi and
Dubai provided an opportunity to engage key UAE nuclear officials on
regulatory issues of safety, security, and safeguards. UAE
officials said they plan to work closely with the NRC as they
establish similar regulatory structures to oversee the UAE's nuclear
power program (Refs B, C, E, and F). Specific interests included
establishing formal cooperation through MOUs, benefitting from NRC
training opportunities and visits to NRC facilities. END SUMMARY.

REGULATION
--------------


2. (SBU) In a May 20 meeting with the UAE Federal Authority for
Nuclear Regulation (FANR, under formation),Director General
(designate, and former NRC official) Bill Travers said FANR will,
like the NRC, be responsible for regulatory safety, security and
safeguards. Travers asked that FANR and the NRC begin discussing a
memorandum of understanding (MOU) for cooperation. Until the 123
Agreement for nuclear cooperation is approved, Travers asked that
the NRC provide appropriate insight and advice about steps UAE
entities should take now in preparation for future cooperative
agreements. Travers also inquired about the possibility of
seconding FANR staff to the NRC. Borchardt and Doane said that
initial discussions about formalizing cooperation could begin, but
would be dependent on the ultimate approval of the 123 Agreement.
As FANR is a federal body, it may serve as the conduit for NRC
cooperation with local (e.g., Emirate-level) entities.

SECURITY AND SAFEGUARDS
--------------


3. (SBU) NRC officials also met with Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoon Al
Nahyan, Chairman of the Critical National Infrastructure Authority
(CNIA),to discuss civilian power plant security issues. (Note:
CNIA is expected to assume responsibility for site security at
future UAE nuclear power plants. End Note.) Sheikh Ahmed asked for
NRC advice, noting that his team is ready to lay a foundation for
future cooperation with the NRC. Borchardt emphasized the
importance of fully integrating nuclear safety and security during
both the design and operations phases. Borchardt suggested Sheikh
Ahmed plan to tour NRC facilities during his planned July visit to
the United States. Doane discussed an Agency to Agency Arrangement
with CNIA to allow the exchange of information regarding regulation
of security at civilian nuclear facilities. Sheikh Ahmed said he
also hopes to expand cooperation with the US Department of Energy
(DOE) and to visit DOE facilities.


4. (SBU) On May 21, Doane met with Sulaiman Shaheen, Director of the
Federal Environmental Agency's Radiation Protection and Control
Department (RPCD) to discuss import and export licensing for
radioactive materials. Shaheen explained UAE's licensing procedures
and record-keeping, noting that RPCD security and safety procedures
are based on IAEA recommendations. To import a radioactive source,
importers must: 1) obtain a no-objection statement from RPCD, 2)
provide all shipment details, and 3) present delivery order,
permits, etc. when the source arrives in the UAE. RPCD also
regulates source transit and re-export (as the UAE does not
produce/manufacture any radioactive sources). Shaheen said RPCD
approval is required before any radioactive materials could enter
the UAE at any port (air, land or sea) and that the RPCD enjoys
strong relations with Emirate-level customs and environmental
officials. Shaheen said that the RPCD is expected to be rolled into
FANR when the latter is established and takes over security of
nuclear and radioactive material controls (Refs C and D).


5. (SBU) Noting RPCD's good cooperation with the IAEA and regional
countries, Shaheen proposed the United States and UAE consider
exchanging information about related licenses. He also expressed
interest in NRC human resource development programs and training
opportunities. Doane mentioned that the NRC hoped to offer a
training program on radioactive sources in the fall.

REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT
--------------


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6. (U) Borchardt also spoke at the GCC Nuclear Summit conference in
Dubai, which was attended by a number of regional power industry
officials. Borchardt's message on the importance of a strong
independent regulator was an essential part of a broader discussion
about the development of peaceful nuclear power. Participants and
the media asked a number of informed questions, providing an
opportunity to share US views on the sensitive and high-profile
discussion of nuclear energy in the Gulf. This message was also
echoed in local media coverage of the event (Ref A).
OLSON