TALKING POINTS: LIBYAN-BELGIAN NUCLEAR COOPERATION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP86B00420R000901760005-4
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 4, 2009
• Sequence Number: 5
• Publication Date: June 21, 1984
• Content Type: MISC

Approved For Release 2009/09/08: CIA-RDP86B0042OR000901760005-4
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21 June 1984
- Talking Points: Libyan-Belgian Nuclear Cooperation
During April, Libya and Belgium discussed for the first time since mid-
1983 an expansion of their nuclear cooperation including: training of
scientific and technical personnel, design, construction, and operation of
nuclear reactors, nuclear fuel services, and safety. A draft protocol is the
centerpiece of the discussions.
-- The section of the protocol dealing with nuclear fuel cycle services
does not necessarily obligate Belgium to provide Libya with nuclear
fuel cycle technology, i.e., the facilities for producing uranium
tetrafluoride, uranium hexafluoride, and nuclear reactor fuel. Libya
will clearly press for technology in these areas, however, because of
its long-term desire to acquire a nuclear weapons capability.
Background:
-- The Libyan nuclear research center at Tajura was supplied by the
Soviet Union, but the Libyans have encountered many problems in
dealing with the Soviets.
-- The Soviet Union has agreed to supply Libya with two 440-megawatt
nuclear power reactors but a final agreement has not been reached.
-- As a result of their dissatisfaction with Soviet technology, Libya
has approached--in addition to Belgium--West Germany, Brazil and
India for technologies that would contribute to a capacity to acquire
weapons-grade material. In light of these proliferation
implications, Libya has been unable to conclude any significant
agreements.
Past Libyan Dealings with Belgium
-- In 1981, the Belgian firm Belgonucleaire, discussed with Libya the
supply of a facility for producing uranium hexafluoride (UF6)--the
feed material used in an uranium enrichment plant.
-- Subsequently, Belgonucleaire convinced Libya to accept only an
uranium tetrafluoride (UF4) production facility.
-- In April 1983, Libya informed Belgonucleaire that a continuing
commercial relationship depended on Belgium's agreement to supply the
UF6 facility.
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-- In response to strong US pressure, the Belgian government refused to
grant permission for selling UF6 technology to Libya as long as no
other supplier agreed to a sale. Libya subsequently halted all of
its dealings with Belgonucleaire.
Current Status and Outlook
-- Libyan officials inadvertently leaked information about their
discussions with the Belgians in mid-May. The resulting publicity
has caused the Belgian government to delay final approval. This has
angered the Libyans.
-- Libya now is threatening to tie all future commercial cooperation
with Belgium to the draft protocol.
-- The Belgians may not make a decision before mid-July when Western
supplier states hold a special conference in Luxembourg to discuss
nuclear export issues. The Belgians will come under strong pressure
from Britain, and several other Western nuclear supplier states, not
to sign the agreement or to provide any major nuclear technology or
training to Libya because of Qadhafi's long-term nuclear ambitions.
-- Brussels has said it will not participate in any Western attempt to
embargo all nuclear assistance to Libya, in part because the latter
is a signatory to the NPT.
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Approved For Release 2009/09/08: CIA-RDP86B0042OR000901760005-4