Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09PRAGUE553
2009-09-15 14:58:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Prague
Cable title:  

NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY REVIEW CONFERENCE

Tags:  AORC KNNP MNUC PARM PGOV PREL UNGA IAEA NPT 
pdf how-to read a cable
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DE RUEHPG #0553/01 2581458
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 151458Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY PRAGUE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1757
INFO RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA 0068
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 0230
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0271
RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 1989
RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS
C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000553 

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR ISN/MNSA, GENEVA FOR CD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/04/2019
TAGS: AORC KNNP MNUC PARM PGOV PREL UNGA IAEA NPT
EZ
SUBJECT: NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY REVIEW CONFERENCE
REPORTING REQUEST: CZECH REPUBLIC

REF: A. STATE 83600

B. 11 SEPTEMBER 2009 BLAHA-DAVIS/SCHEIBE E-MAIL

Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor Charles O. Blaha, reasons 1
.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000553

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR ISN/MNSA, GENEVA FOR CD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/04/2019
TAGS: AORC KNNP MNUC PARM PGOV PREL UNGA IAEA NPT
EZ
SUBJECT: NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY REVIEW CONFERENCE
REPORTING REQUEST: CZECH REPUBLIC

REF: A. STATE 83600

B. 11 SEPTEMBER 2009 BLAHA-DAVIS/SCHEIBE E-MAIL

Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor Charles O. Blaha, reasons 1
.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: The Czech government and Czech political
parties have historically backed strong non-proliferation
measures and their universal application. As an EU member,
the Czech government's public position is consistent with the
EU position. The Czech government and public support
U.S.-Russian arms control efforts, although some Czechs are
skeptical of Russian compliance. Czechs across the political
spectrum would oppose bilateral arms control negotiations
that included other matters related to Czech or Central
European security if the Czech Republic was not included or
consulted. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) UN
Department is the Czech Republic's lead decision making body
on NPT and related matters. End Summary.

Czech Policymakers and Views
--------------


2. (C) In the Czech Republic, policy on the Nuclear
Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and similar and related control
regimes have historically been the province of experts.
Within the Czech government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(MFA) UN Department has the lead. In the normal course of
events, decisions on these and related matters do not go
higher within the MFA. The Prime Minister's Office, Defense
Ministry, military and parliament generally play only
ancillary roles. However, to the extent that an NPT or
similar issue were to become controversial or high-profile,
decisions would go higher in the MFA and thereafter to the
minister and cabinet level.


3. (C) The Czech National Nuclear Security Authority (its
Czech acronym is SUJB) is the lead agency for domestic

implementation of international nuclear control and
safeguards. SUJB also provides experts to advise the MFA and
other Czech government officials, and to the IAEA and other
international nuclear bodies and agencies.


4. (C) The Czech government and Czech political parties have
historically backed strong non-proliferation measures and
their universal application. Both leading Czech political
parties, the center-right Civic Democrats (ODS) and
center-left Social Democrats (CSSD),have historically
supported multilateral nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear
control efforts. However, ODS, and a significant portion of
the Czech public, tend to be skeptical of the efficacy of
multilateral agreements and treaties, and favors the use of
additional mechanisms, such as sanctions. The Czech
government and much of the public support the peaceful use of
nuclear power.


5. (C) According to MFA UN Department Director Katerina
Sequensova, much of the Czech Republic's position on these
issues is reflected in ref B, which post has e-mailed to the
Department. Although this letter from Czech FM Kohout to
Secretary Clinton was drafted by the Czechs during their EU
presidency on behalf of the EU as a whole, according to
Sequensova, the Czech MFA "drafted 95 percent of the text."
These views are unlikely to change significantly after
upcoming Czech elections.

Working Through the EU
--------------


6. (C) As an EU member, the Czech government's public
position is consistent with the EU position. The Czechs work
chiefly through CONUP, the EU working group on
non-proliferation. One or two officers from the MFA UN
Department, the Czech IAEA mission, and/or the Czech mission
in Geneva travel to key CONUP meetings. Within the EU, the
Czechs do not align with any particular country or group.

Views on U.S.-Russian Nuclear Arms Control Efforts
-------------- --------------


7. (C) Though they are far from seized with the issue, the
Czech government and the broader public support U.S.-Russian
arms control efforts, with two caveats. As noted above, some
Czechs and Czech officials (but not all) are skeptical about
Russian intentions, doubt Russia will comply with agreements,

and would advocate establishing additional measures to ensure
Russian adherence to any agreements. Second, Czechs across
the political spectrum would want the U.S. to consult with,
and include, the Czech government if NPT or similar
arms-control related negotiations included areas affecting
Czech or Central European security issues. In particular, if
arms-control negotiations were to include some connection
with the proposed missile defense radar site in the Czech
Republic, the Czechs would oppose any understanding made
without their consultation or inclusion.
Thompson-Jones