INTERNATIONAL ENERGY PLANNING AND NUCLEAR

UNCLAS STATE 120803 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AORC KNNP ENRG TRGY MU SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL ENERGY PLANNING AND NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION WORKSHOP ¶1. (U) This is an ACTION REQUEST: Please see para 6. ¶2. (U) SUMMARY: The United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) is interested in sponsoring an international energy planning and nuclear nonproliferation workshop in Muscat, Oman, in the April 2010 timeframe. The United States Government values opportunities like this workshop for peaceful nuclear cooperation with states party to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The event, sponsored by DOE/NNSA's International Nuclear Safeguards and Engagement Program (INSEP),will be a follow-on activity to the March 2009 Middle East Infrastructure Preparedness Workshop, held in Amman, Jordan. END SUMMARY ¶3. (U) BACKGROUND: The United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) is interested in sponsoring an energy planning and nuclear nonproliferation workshop in Muscat, Oman, in the April 2010 timeframe. The United States Government values opportunities like this workshop for peaceful nuclear cooperation with states party to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The event, sponsored by DOE/NNSA's International Nuclear Safeguards and Engagement Program (INSEP),will be a follow-on activity to the March 2009 Middle East Infrastructure Preparedness Workshop, held in Amman, Jordan. During the energy planning session of the March 2009 Workshop, several participants expressed an interest in learning more about energy planning and the tools available for modeling. In response to this interest, INSEP organized a pilot energy planning workshop in September 2009 in Amman, Jordan, to determine the best model for an international workshop, and to provide training to individuals in Jordan who will serve as co-instructors for April 2010 international course. ¶4. (U) Following the pilot workshop, INSEP outlined the following four objectives for an international energy planning course: (1) to raise awareness of key elements of energy planning by providing participants with a basic overview of various energy options, including renewable forms of energy, fossil fuels, and nuclear energy; (2) to help participants understand the implications of particular energy choices, including the need for associated infrastructure development; (3) to provide explicit understanding of the �A;nexus between nuclear energy and nonproliferation, linking this option to relevant global norms and responsibilities; and (4) to identify specific topics for follow-on bilateral and other forms of engagement. ¶5. (U) While the final composition of the participants is still undetermined, INSEP plans to invite experts from the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Middle East, and North Africa. The International Atomic Energy Agency will also be invited to participate in the workshop. The total number of participants, including those of the host country, is estimated at 30. The current draft of the workshop agenda includes four days of activities, beginning on a Sunday, and lasting from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM daily. INSEP will cover the costs of those attending the workshop from outside of the host country, as well as logistical support during the event. Note that some of the wealthier Gulf States (e.g., UAE and Qatar) have declined these funds for previous NNSA workshops. END BACKGROUND. ¶6. (U) BEGIN ACTION REQUEST: Drawing from the background and the talking points contained in para 7 below, Embassy is requested to approach appropriate Omani Government officials to determine if there is interest in hosting a international workshop on energy planning and nonproliferation in the April 2010 timeframe. Embassy is also requested to provide relevant points of contact at the Embassy and at Oman's relevant agencies for coordination and planning purposes. END ACTION REQUEST ¶7. (U) BEGIN TALKING POINTS: -- The United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) is interested in sponsoring an international energy planning and nonproliferation workshop in Muscat, Oman, in the April 2010 timeframe. -- The United States Government values opportunities like this workshop for peaceful nuclear cooperation with states party to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). -- The event would be sponsored by DOE/NNSA's International Nuclear Safeguards and Engagement Program (INSEP) and is a follow-on activity to the March 2009 Middle East Infrastructure Preparedness Workshop, held in Amman, Jordan. -- The objectives of the workshop are to: (1)to raise awareness of key elements of energy planning by providing participants with a basic overview of various energy options, including renewable forms of energy, fossil fuels, and nuclear energy; (2) to help participants understand the implications of particular energy choices, including the need for associated infrastructure development; (3) to provide explicit understanding of the nexus between nuclear energy and nonproliferation, linking this option to relevant global norms and responsibilities; and (4) to identify specific topics for follow-on bilateral and other forms of engagement. -- The workshop would be organized over four days and would include a total of 30 participants from the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Middle East, North Africa, and the International Atomic Energy Agency. -- INSEP would cover the costs of those attending the workshop from outside of the host country, as well as logistical support during the event. -- For more information, please contact Matthew Van Sickle at matthew.vansickle@nnsa.doe.gov or at 202-586-2859. -- We appreciate your consideration of this proposal. END TALKING POINTS. ¶8. (U) Embassy is requested to provide response to Mr. Matthew Van Sickle DOE/NNSA/NA-242 at matthew.vansickle@nnsa.doe.gov or 202-586-2859 by December 1, ¶2009. Post's assistance in proposing this energy planning and nonproliferation workshop is greatly appreciated. CLINTON