Nuclear Nonproliferation in Republic of Korea

Nuclear Nonproliferation in Republic of Korea in 2013 (Continuation)

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Nuclear Nonproliferation in Republic of Korea: To allow sufficient time to resolve these complicated issues, the United States and the Republic of Korea decided in April to seek a two-year extension of the existing agreement. An extension would facilitate the efforts of both our governments to finalize the text of an agreement that promotes United States and R.O.K. nonproliferation and civil nuclear cooperation objectives and priorities, and which fulfills our respective domestic requirements to bring that agreement into force. An extension would also ensure there is no lapse in our ongoing civil nuclear cooperation, preserving stability and predictability in our joint commercial activities.

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It is for these reasons that the Administration is seeking Congressional support for an extension of the existing agreement. We are grateful for your consideration of this request, and I would like to thank Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, and the other members of the Committee who have co-sponsored the pending draft legislation authorizing the President to extend the term of the current U.S.-Republic of Korea agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation for a period not to exceed March 19, 2016, notwithstanding any other provision of law. The Administration stands ready to work with Congress to achieve the extension of the existing agreement. Early passage of such legislation would provide confidence to both countries, including our respective nuclear industries, that cooperation will continue smoothly.

Development

Draft Successor Agreement Text

Let me also say a few words about our efforts to negotiate the successor U.S.-Republic of Korea 123 agreement. Our two governments are working together to conclude an agreement that builds on our fruitful and longstanding partnership, reinforces our shared status as global leaders in nuclear energy, and reaffirms our mutual commitment to the highest standards of nuclear nonproliferation. We will continue to focus on working together to address common practical challenges facing our nuclear industries as outlined by President Obama and President Park this May. The two leaders talked about making progress on spent fuel management, maintaining a reliable supply of reactor fuel, and strengthening our respective nuclear industries. We conducted a round of negotiations in June and made progress in coming closer to an agreed text. The United States and the ROK intend to meet about every quarter to conclude negotiations on a successor agreement as soon as possible.

Details

On July 25, 2013, a nuclear technology transfer agreement between the United States and the Republic of Korea entered into force. The agreement was effected by an exchange of diplomatic notes, available at (Secretary of State website) state.gov/s/l/c8183.htm. Prior to entry into force, on May 31, 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy published in the Federal Register a notice of the nuclear technology transfer agreement as a proposed subsequent arrangement pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act. 78 Fed. Reg. 32,640 (May 31, 2013). Excerpts from the Federal Register notice appear below.

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The agreement being processed as a subsequent arrangement is the proposed Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Korea Relating to the Transfer of Certain Nuclear Technologies in the Course of the Joint Fuel Cycle Study (the Agreement) being conducted by authorized technical experts from the United States of America and the Republic of Korea (ROK). The Joint Fuel Cycle Study (JFCS) will explore the technical and economic feasibility and the nonproliferation acceptability of the electrochemical recycling process and of other spent fuel management options. The purpose of the Agreement is to establish legal procedures and controls governing the transfer of technologies under the course of the JFCS that are necessary for its successful completion.

Resources

Notes

1. Nuclear Nonproliferation in Republic of Korea in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law