CANADA EMBRACES ENHANCED MEASURES TO DETER URANIUM

C O N F I D E N T I A L OTTAWA 000540 SIPDIS STATE FOR ISN/RA - R. NEPHEW AND J. ALLEN-CLOSE E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2019 TAGS: PARM MNUC KNNP IR CA SUBJECT: CANADA EMBRACES ENHANCED MEASURES TO DETER URANIUM TRADE WITH IRAN REF: A. STATE 72119 ¶B. OTTAWA 501 Classified By: PolMinCouns Scott Bellard, reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Senior Canadian leaders are seeking enhanced measures to block Iran's nuclear proliferation ambitions, according to Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Senior Policy Officer Ryan Hewer. He called the U.S. initiative (ref a) "very timely" and "terrific." Following the disputed June 12 Iranian election and subsequent crackdown by government security forces against protesters in Tehran, including the detention of a Canadian-Iranian Newsweek journalist, Prime Minister Stephen Harper instructed DFAIT to redouble efforts with allies to counter Iranian proliferation, according to Hewer. He noted that Canada had suggested something very similar to ref a's workshop concept in the past and would be "likely very willing and eager" to collaborate with like-minded partners now. ¶2. (C) Hewer expressed puzzlement at the specific inclusion of Mega Uranium on the list of firms of immediate interest, since he said that he believed Mega to be solely an exploration company, not a uranium producer or exporter. He commented that Canada has "literally hundreds" of exploration companies; while there might be value in seeking to educate junior exploration companies on Iran's nuclear program, this would entail much more effort than focusing on the large production companies like Cameco and Areva. Hewer observed that he had recently met with Cameco officials and believed that they would also welcome cooperation with U.S. efforts, since "they are aware of their non-proliferation responsibilities and take them very seriously." ¶3. (C) Hewer emphasized that Canada has no information or intelligence on any Iranian activities to secure uranium from any Canadian entities, and underlined that Canadian law prohibits uranium sales to Iran. Visit Canada,s North American partnership community at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap / BREESE