Cablegate: Russia Promises Continued Support for U.S. Goals

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PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHMO #3244 3101451
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 051451Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY MOSCOW
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0644
INFO RUCNNSG/NUCLEAR SUPPLIERS GROUP COLLECTIVE PRIORITY

UNCLAS MOSCOW 003244

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

FOR STATE ISN/NESS RDELABARRE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG ETTC KNNP MNUC PARM TRGY IAEA RS
SUBJECT: RUSSIA PROMISES CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR U.S. GOALS
ON CRITERIA-BASED APPROACH FOR ENR TRANSFERS

REF: STATE 115509

1. (SBU) ESTOff delivered reftel demarche to Ministry of
Foreign Affairs (MFA) Security and Disarmament Affairs Second
Secretary Alexander Bolichiov on November 5. Bolichiov was
clear that the GOR continues to support the revised U.S.
criteria-based proposal for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
control of transfers of enrichment and reprocessing (ENR)
equipment and technology. Bolichiov indicated that the
Russian delegation will be given flexibility to work with the
U.S. and others at the November 19 meeting.

2. (SBU) Bolichiov expressed concern that if there were
changes made since the draft circulated at the May 22 meeting
in Berlin, he has not received the document. If there were
"substantial" changes to the document, they might exceed the
Russian delegation's authority to act. He also asked "What
is the next step? If consensus is reached, what if Canada or
Japan come forward requesting the transfer such technology?
What will the be the U.S. position?" Post will follow up
with ISN/NESS as appropriate to respond to his query.
BEYRLE

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