VZCZCXRO6821
RR RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHDIR
DE RUEHAD #0540/01 1511250
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 311250Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2530
INFO RUEANFA/NRC WASHINGTON DC
RHMFIUU/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC
RUEHDE/AMCONSUL DUBAI 8292
RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN 0912

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ABU DHABI 000540 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR NEA/ARP AND ISN/RA (STUKALIN) 
NRC FOR MFREELAND 
AMMAN FOR ESTH HUB OFFICER 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ENRG PARM SENV MNUC PGOV AE
SUBJECT:  NRC VISIT HIGHLIGHTS US-UAE NUCLEAR COOPERATION POTENTIAL 
 
REFS:  A) ABU DHABI 526 
      B) ABU DHABI 491 
      C) ABU DHABI 478 
      D) STATE 34777 
      E) ABU DHABI 157 
      F) 08 ABU DHABI 1432 
 
ABU DHABI 00000540  001.2 OF 002 
 
 
¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The May 19-21 visit of Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission (NRC) Executive Director for Operations Bill Borchardt 
and Director of International Programs Margie Doane to Abu Dhabi and 
Dubai provided an opportunity to engage key UAE nuclear officials on 
regulatory issues of safety, security, and safeguards.  UAE 
officials said they plan to work closely with the NRC as they 
establish similar regulatory structures to oversee the UAE's nuclear 
power program (Refs B, C, E, and F).  Specific interests included 
establishing formal cooperation through MOUs, benefitting from NRC 
training opportunities and visits to NRC facilities.  END SUMMARY. 
 
REGULATION 
---------- 
 
¶2. (SBU) In a May 20 meeting with the UAE Federal Authority for 
Nuclear Regulation (FANR, under formation), Director General 
(designate, and former NRC official) Bill Travers said FANR will, 
like the NRC, be responsible for regulatory safety, security and 
safeguards.  Travers asked that FANR and the NRC begin discussing a 
memorandum of understanding (MOU) for cooperation.  Until the 123 
Agreement for nuclear cooperation is approved, Travers asked that 
the NRC provide appropriate insight and advice about steps UAE 
entities should take now in preparation for future cooperative 
agreements.  Travers also inquired about the possibility of 
seconding FANR staff to the NRC.  Borchardt and Doane said that 
initial discussions about formalizing cooperation could begin, but 
would be dependent on the ultimate approval of the 123 Agreement. 
As FANR is a federal body, it may serve as the conduit for NRC 
cooperation with local (e.g., Emirate-level) entities. 
 
SECURITY AND SAFEGUARDS 
----------------------- 
 
¶3. (SBU) NRC officials also met with Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoon Al 
Nahyan, Chairman of the Critical National Infrastructure Authority 
(CNIA), to discuss civilian power plant security issues.  (Note: 
CNIA is expected to assume responsibility for site security at 
future UAE nuclear power plants.  End Note.)  Sheikh Ahmed asked for 
NRC advice, noting that his team is ready to lay a foundation for 
future cooperation with the NRC.  Borchardt emphasized the 
importance of fully integrating nuclear safety and security during 
both the design and operations phases.  Borchardt suggested Sheikh 
Ahmed plan to tour NRC facilities during his planned July visit to 
the United States.  Doane discussed an Agency to Agency Arrangement 
with CNIA to allow the exchange of information regarding regulation 
of security at civilian nuclear facilities.  Sheikh Ahmed said he 
also hopes to expand cooperation with the US Department of Energy 
(DOE) and to visit DOE facilities. 
 
¶4. (SBU) On May 21, Doane met with Sulaiman Shaheen, Director of the 
Federal Environmental Agency's Radiation Protection and Control 
Department (RPCD) to discuss import and export licensing for 
radioactive materials.  Shaheen explained UAE's licensing procedures 
and record-keeping, noting that RPCD security and safety procedures 
are based on IAEA recommendations.  To import a radioactive source, 
importers must: 1) obtain a no-objection statement from RPCD, 2) 
provide all shipment details, and 3) present delivery order, 
permits, etc. when the source arrives in the UAE.  RPCD also 
regulates source transit and re-export (as the UAE does not 
produce/manufacture any radioactive sources).  Shaheen said RPCD 
approval is required before any radioactive materials could enter 
the UAE at any port (air, land or sea) and that the RPCD enjoys 
strong relations with Emirate-level customs and environmental 
officials.  Shaheen said that the RPCD is expected to be rolled into 
FANR when the latter is established and takes over security of 
nuclear and radioactive material controls (Refs C and D). 
 
¶5. (SBU) Noting RPCD's good cooperation with the IAEA and regional 
countries, Shaheen proposed the United States and UAE consider 
exchanging information about related licenses.  He also expressed 
interest in NRC human resource development programs and training 
opportunities.  Doane mentioned that the NRC hoped to offer a 
training program on radioactive sources in the fall. 
 
REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT 
------------------- 
 
 
ABU DHABI 00000540  002.2 OF 002 
 
 
¶6. (U) Borchardt also spoke at the GCC Nuclear Summit conference in 
Dubai, which was attended by a number of regional power industry 
officials.  Borchardt's message on the importance of a strong 
independent regulator was an essential part of a broader discussion 
about the development of peaceful nuclear power.  Participants and 
the media asked a number of informed questions, providing an 
opportunity to share US views on the sensitive and high-profile 
discussion of nuclear energy in the Gulf.  This message was also 
echoed in local media coverage of the event (Ref A). 
OLSON