Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ISLAMABAD1152
2009-05-27 16:32:00
SECRET
Embassy Islamabad
Cable title:
U.S. REMOVAL OF PAKISTAN RESEARCH REACTOR FUEL ON
how-toVZCZCXRO3997 PP RUEHLH RUEHPW DE RUEHIL #1152 1471632 ZNY SSSSS ZZH P 271632Z MAY 09 FM AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2939 INFO RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL 0361 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 0460 RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 4966 RUEHPW/AMCONSUL PESHAWAR 6251 RUEHLH/AMCONSUL LAHORE 7312 RUEHKP/AMCONSUL KARACHI 1712 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC RHMFISS/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
S E C R E T ISLAMABAD 001152
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/27/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER PARM KNNP MNUC PK
SUBJECT: U.S. REMOVAL OF PAKISTAN RESEARCH REACTOR FUEL ON
HOLD
Classified By: Anne W. Patterson for reasons 1.4 (b) (d)
S E C R E T ISLAMABAD 001152
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/27/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER PARM KNNP MNUC PK
SUBJECT: U.S. REMOVAL OF PAKISTAN RESEARCH REACTOR FUEL ON
HOLD
Classified By: Anne W. Patterson for reasons 1.4 (b) (d)
1. (S) XXXXXXXXXXXX, told POLOFF on May 26 that the
recent spate of media attention on Pakistan's nuclear
security has led the GOP to delay an important
nonproliferation effort, the removal of U.S.-origin
highly-enriched uranium spent fuel from a Pakistani nuclear
research reactor. The GOP agreed in principle to the fuel
removal in 2007, but has been slow in scheduling a visit by
U.S. technical experts to discuss logistical and other
issues. In recent months, the Strategic Plans Division and
Ministry of Foreign Affairs both indicated progress on the
matter and a proposed visit for late May was under review.
However, according to XXXXXXXXXXXX, a recent GOP interagency review
of the program concluded that the "sensational" international
and local media coverage of the security of Pakistan's
nuclear weapons made it impossible to proceed at this time.
If the local media got word of the fuel removal, "they
certainly would portray it as the United States taking
Pakistan's nuclear weapons," he argued. The visit will have
to be delayed for 3-4 months or until the political climate
makes it more conducive to hosting a U.S. visit, he stated.
2. (S) Comment: As noted in previous post reporting, the GOP
is extremely sensitive to media focus on Pakistan's nuclear
program. In a sign of their growing defensiveness, the
Foreign Office Spokesman took significant time out of his May
21 press conference to address nuclear security, stating
categorically, "there is simply no question of our strategic
assets falling into the wrong hands." To a question about
reported offers of U.S. help with nuclear security, he
responded, "we do not need this assistance." With the
postponement of the nuclear fuel removal, it is clear that
the negative media attention has begun to hamper U.S. efforts
to improve Pakistan's nuclear security and nonproliferation
practices. End Comment.
PATTERSON
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/27/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER PARM KNNP MNUC PK
SUBJECT: U.S. REMOVAL OF PAKISTAN RESEARCH REACTOR FUEL ON
HOLD
Classified By: Anne W. Patterson for reasons 1.4 (b) (d)
1. (S) XXXXXXXXXXXX, told POLOFF on May 26 that the
recent spate of media attention on Pakistan's nuclear
security has led the GOP to delay an important
nonproliferation effort, the removal of U.S.-origin
highly-enriched uranium spent fuel from a Pakistani nuclear
research reactor. The GOP agreed in principle to the fuel
removal in 2007, but has been slow in scheduling a visit by
U.S. technical experts to discuss logistical and other
issues. In recent months, the Strategic Plans Division and
Ministry of Foreign Affairs both indicated progress on the
matter and a proposed visit for late May was under review.
However, according to XXXXXXXXXXXX, a recent GOP interagency review
of the program concluded that the "sensational" international
and local media coverage of the security of Pakistan's
nuclear weapons made it impossible to proceed at this time.
If the local media got word of the fuel removal, "they
certainly would portray it as the United States taking
Pakistan's nuclear weapons," he argued. The visit will have
to be delayed for 3-4 months or until the political climate
makes it more conducive to hosting a U.S. visit, he stated.
2. (S) Comment: As noted in previous post reporting, the GOP
is extremely sensitive to media focus on Pakistan's nuclear
program. In a sign of their growing defensiveness, the
Foreign Office Spokesman took significant time out of his May
21 press conference to address nuclear security, stating
categorically, "there is simply no question of our strategic
assets falling into the wrong hands." To a question about
reported offers of U.S. help with nuclear security, he
responded, "we do not need this assistance." With the
postponement of the nuclear fuel removal, it is clear that
the negative media attention has begun to hamper U.S. efforts
to improve Pakistan's nuclear security and nonproliferation
practices. End Comment.
PATTERSON