Cablegate: Japanese Response and Questions On Nsg

VZCZCXYZ0002
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHKO #3077 3100732
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 050732Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8534
INFO RUCNNSG/NUCLEAR SUPPLIERS GROUP PRIORITY
RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA PRIORITY 0496

UNCLAS TOKYO 003077

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

ISN/NESS FOR RDELABARRE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG ETTC KNNP MNUC PARM TRGY IAEA JA
SUBJECT: JAPANESE RESPONSE AND QUESTIONS ON NSG
CRITERIA-BASED PROPOSAL

REF: SECSTATE 115509

1. This is an action request. Please see para 4.

2. (SBU) Econoff delivered demarche points contained in ref
to Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Non-proliferation,
Science, and Nuclear Energy official Shinichi Sato October
31. Sato responded positively, commenting that the GOJ
supports use of a criteria-based approach for transfers of
enrichment and reprocessing equipment and technology. He
further noted Japan's delegation to the November meeting of
the Consultative Group (CG) would have the flexibility and
authority to reach an agreement at the meeting.

3. (SBU) Sato said his office is following U.S.
negotiations on the criteria-based proposal very closely and
is aware of USG negotiations with Canada, South Korea,
Brazil, and Argentina on the issue. He requested, given
various proposals put forth by various countries, an
up-to-date copy of the USG proposal, as well as any
information that could be shared on the status of USG
negotiations with holdout countries. Finally, he said the
GOJ may be interested in holding a short, side meeting with
the USG, prior to the November 19 CG meeting.

4. (SBU) Action request: Post would appreciate the most
recent version of the USG proposal for a criteria-based
approach to transfers, as well as any updates on the status
of negotiations with holdout governments that can be shared
with the GOJ. Also, post would welcome comments on the
possibility of holding a side meeting with GOJ officials
prior to November 19.
SCHIEFFER

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