GERMANY TO REVIEW PERMITS FOR RETURN OF LOW LEVEL

UNCLAS BERLIN 000457

SENSITIVE

SIPDIS
ISN/NESS FOR DELABARRE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG ETTC KNNP KSCA TRGY GM
SUBJECT: GERMANY TO REVIEW PERMITS FOR RETURN OF LOW LEVEL
RADIOACTIVE WASTE

REF: A. STATE 35774

B. 03BERLIN2979


1. (SBU) Econoff met with Joerg Polster, German MFA desk
officer for International Nuclear Energy to discuss issues
raised in Ref A. Polster stated he was not familiar with the
issue, as it predated his tenure in his current position by
several years. As the German MFA point of contact, per Ref
B, was the "Office of Civilian Energy", Polster agreed that
his office had responsibility for the issue. Polster stated
that he would consult with his colleagues, review the history
of this matter and advise on the future of the permits.


2. (SBU) Polster also noted that, in 2003, Germany's ruling
coalition (Social Democrats - Greens) was more liberal than
today's Social Democrat - Christian Democrat coalition.
Based on that, he opined that it should be at least as easy
to get government permits for this program today as in 2003.
He further advised caution against calling the subject
materials "waste" or "tailings", as these are "magic words"
that might cause unwanted scruitny, recommending instead
"glass", "ash" or "residue".


3. (SBU) Polster stated he would convey the results of his
consultations to Econoff when they are available. Post will
report further on this septel.
Koenig