VZCZCXYZ0005
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHC #5561 0510106
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 200101Z FEB 10
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHKU/AMEMBASSY KUWAIT PRIORITY 0000
RUEHMK/AMEMBASSY MANAMA PRIORITY 0000
RUEHMS/AMEMBASSY MUSCAT PRIORITY 0000
RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH PRIORITY 0000
INFO RUEHAD/AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI PRIORITY 0000
RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA PRIORITY 0000
UNCLAS STATE 015561
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC KNNP ENRG TRGY MU BA KU SA
SUBJECT: COOPERATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR
SAFEGUARDS AND ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
1. This is an action request. Please see paragraphs 7 and 8.
2. (U) SUMMARY: During the January 2010 Department of
State-led delegation to the Gulf region, the Department of
Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA)
provided information on the potential for cooperation with
the International Nuclear Safeguards and Engagement Program
(INSEP). As described during the meetings, INSEP conducts
peaceful nuclear cooperation with selected nations to improve
nuclear safeguards infrastructures as those nations move
toward civil nuclear energy. To this end, DOE/NNSA would
like to explore the establishment of a non-legally binding,
technical arrangement for cooperation on nonproliferation and
peaceful uses of nuclear energy between DOE/NNSA and the
appropriate counterpart organization in Bahrain, Oman,
Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. This message contains further
information on INSEP, requests that Embassy convey this
proposal formally to appropriate officials in Bahrain, Oman,
Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, and proposes a DOE/NNSA delegation
hold detailed discussions with appropriate officials during
the March 14-18, 2010 "International Conference on Human
Resource Development for Introducing and Expanding Nuclear
Power Programmes" to be held Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
END SUMMARY.
3. (U) BACKGROUND: The United States regards civil nuclear
energy as an important source of energy for both developed
and developing nations. Under Article IV of the NPT, the
U.S. supports peaceful nuclear development and applications
through bilateral cooperation with developing states. This
cooperation, complementary to the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) Technical Cooperation Programme, has enabled
many developing countries greater utilization of peaceful
nuclear techniques in a wide range of disciplines, such as
nuclear safety, nuclear safeguards, medicine, agriculture,
and water resources.
4. (U) As a component of U.S. bilateral cooperation, the
DOE/NNSA International Nuclear Safeguards and Engagement
Program (INSEP) strengthens the international nuclear
safeguards regime and supports the safe, secure, and peaceful
implementation of nuclear technologies. Beginning in 1982,
DOE/NNSA has implemented non-legally-binding bilateral
cooperation arrangements with Algeria, Argentina, Egypt,
Indonesia, Libya, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Romania, Thailand,
and Vietnam. New arrangements are being negotiated with
Malaysia and the UAE.
5. (U) Under these arrangements, INSEP conducts peaceful
nuclear cooperation with these nations to improve nuclear
safeguards infrastructures as those nations move toward civil
nuclear energy. This cooperation addresses numerous nuclear
infrastructure topics including: radiation protection;
nuclear regulation; energy planning; international nuclear
safeguards; emergency planning and response; radioactive
waste management; environment, safety and health; quality
assurance; international laboratory certification; and
nuclear human resource development. The areas for
collaboration are developed jointly between the technical
organizations in both countries, with the overall approval by
DOE/NNSA and Department of State. Mechanisms for
collaboration include: on-site joint evaluation; technical
training and workshops; expert visits and consultation;
exchange of samples, computer codes, and standards; and use
of non-classified facilities. Through these collaborative
activities, INSEP supports effective civil nuclear
stewardship and helps developing countries meet future
nuclear energy needs in ways that are safe, secure, and
consistent with the highest standards of nuclear
nonproliferation.
6. (U) INSEP would like to explore the possibility of
bilateral collaboration with Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Saudi
Arabia, and hold related discussions with appropriate
officials during the March 14-18, 2010 "International
Conference on Human Resource Development for Introducing and
Expanding Nuclear Power Programmes" to be held Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates. END BACKGROUND.
7. (U) BEGIN ACTION REQUEST: Drawing from the background
above and the talking points contained in para 9 below,
Embassy is requested to notify appropriate officials in
Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, of INSEP's interest
in following up on its January 2009 visit and exploring the
potential for bilateral cooperation. In order to initiate
this dialogue, Embassy is requested to deliver the attached
model "Arrangement for Cooperation" to these countries about
the potential areas for cooperation (see para 10). (NOTE:
For Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with which we presently have
non-binding civil nuclear cooperation Memoranda of
Understanding (dated 3/24/08 and 5/16/08 respectively), this
arrangement would be implemented pursuant to the MOU. In
these cases, the MOU would set an over-arching framework,
while the proposed new INSEP arrangement sets a basis for
technical cooperation. This approach has been successfully
applied in the United Arab Emirates. END NOTE.)
8. (U) ACTION REQUEST CONTINUED: Embassy is also requested
to notify officials in Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait, and Saudi
Arabia about INSEP's interest in holding detailed discussions
about cooperation during the March 14-18, 2010 "International
Conference on Human Resource Development for Introducing and
Expanding Nuclear Power Programmes" to be held Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates. Embassy is requested to report any
particular interest to Matthew Van Sickle at NNSA (address
below). END ACTION REQUEST.
9. (U) BEGIN TALKING POINTS:
-- We would like to thank you for the recent productive
meetings during the January 2010 Department of State- led
delegation on civil nuclear energy cooperation with the
United States.
-- During those meetings, you received information about the
U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security
Administration (DOE/NNSA) and its International Nuclear
Safeguards and Engagement Program (INSEP).
--We would like to explore the establishment of a non-legally
binding, technical arrangement for cooperation on
nonproliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
-- Such cooperation would benefit both countries through
exchange of experience and best practices, and would
demonstrate commitment by both countries to the safe, secure,
and peaceful implementation of nuclear energy.
-- Potential areas for collaboration with INSEP include:
international safeguards; radiation protection; nuclear
regulation; energy planning; emergency planning and response;
radioactive waste management; environment, safety and health;
quality assurance; international laboratory certification;
and nuclear human resource development.
-- In order to better understand the steps necessary for
cooperation, we have provided a copy of the model
"Arrangement for Cooperation" that INSEP uses to establish
technical partnerships. This "Arrangement for Cooperation"
is a non-legally binding document that establishes a
framework for cooperation by outlining the different forms of
cooperation available and provides an organizational
structure for the partnership. While each Arrangement is
negotiated separately, this model provides an initial point
for discussion.
-- As a next step, representatives from INSEP propose holding
detailed discussions about the potential for cooperation
during the March 14-18, 2010 "International Conference on
Human Resource Development for Introducing and Expanding
Nuclear Power Programmes" to be held Abu Dhabi, United Arab
Emirates.
-- For additional information, please contact Matthew Van
Sickle at matthew.vansickle@nnsa.doe.gov or at 202-586-2859.
END TALKING POINTS.
10. (U) BEGIN ATTACHMENT MODEL "ARRANGEMENT FOR COOPERATION".
ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA AND the (appropriate MINISTRY or authority)
OF THE (Country) FOR INFORMATION EXCHANGE AND COOPERATION IN
THE PEACEFUL USES OF NUCLEAR ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE AND
NONPROLIFERATION
The Department of Energy of the United States of America
(DOE) and the (Ministry) of the (Country), hereinafter
referred to as the "Participants,"
Including, within their respective missions, programs for the
development and application of peaceful uses of nuclear
energy and associated infrastructures in their respective
countries;
Recognizing the interest of the United States of America and
(Country) in promoting cooperation in the area of peaceful
uses of nuclear energy as called for in Article IV of the
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons;
Noting the desire of the DOE, through its National Nuclear
Security Administration (NNSA) and its national laboratories,
and of the (Ministry), through its (Designated Entity(ies)),
to exchange technical information and to cooperate in the
field of peaceful nuclear energy infrastructure and
nonproliferation;
Have reached the following understanding:
SECTION 1 - PURPOSE
The purpose of this Arrangement is to establish a cooperative
institutional relationship between the Participants for the
exchange of unclassified, non-proprietary technological,
scientific, and other information regarding peaceful nuclear
energy infrastructure and to facilitate additional forms of
cooperation to the extent permitted by the laws, regulations,
and policies of their respective Governments. Under this
Arrangement, cooperative activities include projects that
establish effective nuclear infrastructure promoting best
practices in nuclear safeguards, safety, and security.
SECTION 2 - FORMS OF COOPERATION
A. The activities intended to be carried out by the
Participants under this Arrangement may include the
following, subject to available funds and to the extent
permitted by the laws, regulations, and policies of their
respective Governments:
1. Exchange of unclassified, non-proprietary
technological, scientific, and other information;
2. Training of technical, scientific, and managerial
personnel through technical training visits; work periods in
laboratories or other institutions; and seminars or specific
courses in subject areas such as but not limited to nuclear
legislation and regulation; nuclear safeguards; nuclear
material physical security; quality assurance; emergency
preparedness; environment, safety, and health; low- and
intermediate-level radioactive waste management; and research
reactor operations and utilization;
3. Facilitation by NNSA of acquisition by the (Designated
Entity(ies)) of appropriate laboratory equipment or
associated materials that are difficult to obtain in a timely
manner, to include recommendation of appropriate items for
acquisition, coordination with suppliers and vendors, and
review and consultation on export control requirements;
4. Joint projects in which each Participant is, unless
otherwise determined in writing, responsible for the costs it
incurs;
5. Organization of technical seminars, workshops, and
meetings; and
6. Other specific forms of collaboration relating to
peaceful uses of nuclear energy and nuclear infrastructure as
may be added by written arrangement of the Participants.
B. To the extent permitted by the laws, regulations, and
policies of their respective Governments, the Participants'
cooperation in the activities described in subparagraph (A)
of this Section may be implemented through the following:
1. Short visits by DOE's or the (Designated Entity(ies)')
expert teams or individuals to the other's laboratories or
other facilities;
2. Working visits of either DOE's or the (Designated
Entity(ies)') personnel to the other's laboratories or other
facilities;
3. Use by the (Designated Entity(ies)') personnel of
appropriate facilities and equipment owned and operated by
DOE or its laboratories;
C. DOE and the (Designated Entity(ies)) should confirm in
writing the details of any specific cooperation undertaken
under this Arrangement, including the conduct of specific
projects for which DOE may utilize its laboratories or other
facilities.
D. Although the generation of intellectual property is not
foreseen at this stage of cooperation, should DOE and the
(Ministry) desire to undertake a joint project that could
result in the creation of intellectual property, they should
conclude an appropriate written agreement therefor. Each
such agreement should include appropriate provisions for
carrying out the joint project, including such matters as
technical scope, intellectual property protection and
allocation, management, costs, cost-sharing and schedule of
work.
SECTION 3 - MANAGEMENT
A. Each Participant intends to name one Principal
Coordinator to supervise its respective activities under this
Arrangement. Unless otherwise determined, the Principal
Coordinators should meet or communicate annually to evaluate
the status of cooperation under this Arrangement. This
evaluation should include review of the achievements,
problems, and effectiveness of activities under this
Arrangement. The Principal Coordinators should also identify
and propose for Participants' approval future collaborative
opportunities with a view toward maximizing the mutual
benefits of cooperation.
B. With the exception of joint projects described in
Section 2 D. and under the Participants' direction, the
Principal Coordinators should establish an Action Sheet for
each cooperative activity, such as those in Section 2 A.2.
Each Action Sheet should include objectives, task
description, milestones, schedule, and assignment of
responsibilities for participating institutions. Action
Sheets should specify start and end dates, typically being
from one to three years in duration.
C. Subject to the prior approval of the Participants, each
Principal Coordinator may appoint a Technical Coordinator to
manage specific cooperative activities initiated under this
Arrangement and to establish and maintain working contacts at
the staff level.
SECTION 4 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. Cooperation under this Arrangement may commence upon
signature of both Participants.
B. The terms of this Arrangement may be altered in writing
by the Participants' mutual determination. If either
Participant wishes to discontinue its activities under this
Arrangement, it should endeavor to give at least 30 days
advance written notice to the other Participant
C. Each Participant should conduct the activities under
this Arrangement in accordance with the laws, regulations,
and policies of that Participant's Government and applicable
international agreements to which that Participant's
Government is party.
D. Each Participant should handle information received
from the other Participant in implementing this Arrangement
in accordance with the applicable laws, regulations, and
policies of the receiving Participant's Government.
E. This Arrangement is not intended to create legally
binding obligations between the Participants. The
Participants understand that the cooperative activities are
subject to available funds and personnel.
F. Unless otherwise determined in writing, each
Participant is responsible for the costs it incurs in
participating in the activities contemplated by this
Arrangement.
END ATTACHMENT MODEL "ARRANGEMENT FOR COOPERATION".
11. (U) Embassy is requested to provide response and points
of contact to Mr. Matthew Van Sickle DOE/NNSA/NA-242 at
matthew.vansickle@nnsa.doe.gov or 202-586-2859 by March 5,
2010. Embassy assistance is greatly appreciated. END TEXT.
CLINTON