Cablegate: Peru Unfamiliar with Angarsk Nuclear Fuel Bank Proposal But

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC KNNP IAEA ENRG TRGY PE
SUBJECT: PERU UNFAMILIAR WITH ANGARSK NUCLEAR FUEL BANK PROPOSAL BUT
PLANS TO PLAY CONSTRUCTIVE ROLE

REF: STATE FOR ISN/NESS MHUMPHREY AND BCARNAHAN; STATE 117710

1. (SBU) Econoffs met on November 20 with Minister Counselor
Vitaliano Gallardo and First Secretary Juan Pablo GUERRERO Espinoza
of the International Security and Disarmament Office of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs to call for IAEA board member support
for the Angarsk fuel bank proposal. Both officials appeared to be
unfamiliar with the proposal and the implications, but promised to
discuss the matter with other Government of Peru officials
including with the Peruvian Institute of Nuclear Energy.

2. (SBU) Guerrero expressed interest in who supports or opposes
the proposal. We replied that while we were not aware of those
details, but reaffirmed that the USG supports the nuclear fuel bank
because of the benefits stated reftel.

3. (SBU) We relayed wishes that should Peru not find itself in a
position to approve the proposal, that it abstain from the vote.
Gallardo replied that Peru always attempts to play a constructive
role in IAEA matters. (Comment: While the officials appeared to
be unaware of the proposal and unprepared to respond, we anticipate
that they will not oppose the proposal. End Comment.)
MCKINLEY

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