Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ABUDHABI814
2009-08-16 06:39:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Cable title:
UAE POLICY ON NPT REVIEW AND RELATED ISSUES
how-toVZCZCXYZ0002 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHAD #0814 2280639 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 160639Z AUG 09 FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2833 INFO RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA 0101 RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 0120 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0249 RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 0635 RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 000814
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR ISN/MNSA (DAVIS, ALBERQUE) AND NEA/ARP
GENEVA FOR CD
UNVIE FOR IAEA
USUN, USNATO AND USEU FOR POL
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/12/2019
TAGS: ENRG KNNP IAEA PGOV AE
SUBJECT: UAE POLICY ON NPT REVIEW AND RELATED ISSUES
CLASSIFIED BY AMBASSADOR RICHARD G. OLSON FOR REASONS 1.4 B AND D
REF: STATE 83600
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 000814
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR ISN/MNSA (DAVIS, ALBERQUE) AND NEA/ARP
GENEVA FOR CD
UNVIE FOR IAEA
USUN, USNATO AND USEU FOR POL
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/12/2019
TAGS: ENRG KNNP IAEA PGOV AE
SUBJECT: UAE POLICY ON NPT REVIEW AND RELATED ISSUES
CLASSIFIED BY AMBASSADOR RICHARD G. OLSON FOR REASONS 1.4 B AND D
REF: STATE 83600
1. (C) The information in this message is provided in response to
reftel request:
-- The UAEG takes a supportive approach to most international
nonproliferation issues but its diplomatic impact is limited due to
human resource constraints and a historically low-key approach to
diplomacy.
-- UAEG policies are often shaped in coordination with other members
of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and
Saudi Arabia) and the Arab League. However, UAE policy on civilian
nuclear power is distinctly independent; the UAE is pursuing nuclear
power, but will not pursue domestic enrichment and reprocessing.
-- As UAE policy on nonproliferation is primarily a political and not
technical concern, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the primary
policy maker. MFA Special Representative for International Nuclear
Cooperation and UAEA IAEA PermRep Hamad Al Kaabi told EconOff on
August 13 that he personally follows key nonproliferation
developments in international fora, passing relevant information to
other UAEG entities like the National Security Council as
appropriate. However, he stressed that other UAEG bodies do not play
an active role in policy decision-making. Al Kaabi said the UAE
seeks to be an active participant in international nuclear policy
discussions and activities, but must prioritize given its limited
human resources.
-- Al Kaabi receives policy guidance from Foreign Minister Sheikh
Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh
Mohammed bin Zayed.
-- The UAE's geographic proximity to Iran, its fears of Iranian
hegemony, and UAE commercial ties with Iran are factors likely
impacting UAEG nonproliferation policies.
-- Al Kaabi and other relevant officials generally travel to key
international meetings; the UAE has few permanent staff in UN
missions. Given centralized decision making, UAE officials stationed
at these missions are likely to follow GCC or Arab League consensus
unless otherwise instructed. They lack the authority to engage in
substantive negotiations or information exchange.
-- Al Kaabi enjoys strong personal ties with the UAE's fledgling
nuclear power industry and is developing a relationship with other
nonproliferation decision-makers.
2. (U) Embassy Abu Dhabi POCS are: Susannah Cooper, EconChief, and
Shayna Steinger, PolChief.
OLSON
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR ISN/MNSA (DAVIS, ALBERQUE) AND NEA/ARP
GENEVA FOR CD
UNVIE FOR IAEA
USUN, USNATO AND USEU FOR POL
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/12/2019
TAGS: ENRG KNNP IAEA PGOV AE
SUBJECT: UAE POLICY ON NPT REVIEW AND RELATED ISSUES
CLASSIFIED BY AMBASSADOR RICHARD G. OLSON FOR REASONS 1.4 B AND D
REF: STATE 83600
1. (C) The information in this message is provided in response to
reftel request:
-- The UAEG takes a supportive approach to most international
nonproliferation issues but its diplomatic impact is limited due to
human resource constraints and a historically low-key approach to
diplomacy.
-- UAEG policies are often shaped in coordination with other members
of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and
Saudi Arabia) and the Arab League. However, UAE policy on civilian
nuclear power is distinctly independent; the UAE is pursuing nuclear
power, but will not pursue domestic enrichment and reprocessing.
-- As UAE policy on nonproliferation is primarily a political and not
technical concern, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the primary
policy maker. MFA Special Representative for International Nuclear
Cooperation and UAEA IAEA PermRep Hamad Al Kaabi told EconOff on
August 13 that he personally follows key nonproliferation
developments in international fora, passing relevant information to
other UAEG entities like the National Security Council as
appropriate. However, he stressed that other UAEG bodies do not play
an active role in policy decision-making. Al Kaabi said the UAE
seeks to be an active participant in international nuclear policy
discussions and activities, but must prioritize given its limited
human resources.
-- Al Kaabi receives policy guidance from Foreign Minister Sheikh
Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh
Mohammed bin Zayed.
-- The UAE's geographic proximity to Iran, its fears of Iranian
hegemony, and UAE commercial ties with Iran are factors likely
impacting UAEG nonproliferation policies.
-- Al Kaabi and other relevant officials generally travel to key
international meetings; the UAE has few permanent staff in UN
missions. Given centralized decision making, UAE officials stationed
at these missions are likely to follow GCC or Arab League consensus
unless otherwise instructed. They lack the authority to engage in
substantive negotiations or information exchange.
-- Al Kaabi enjoys strong personal ties with the UAE's fledgling
nuclear power industry and is developing a relationship with other
nonproliferation decision-makers.
2. (U) Embassy Abu Dhabi POCS are: Susannah Cooper, EconChief, and
Shayna Steinger, PolChief.
OLSON