ML20210V617
| ML20210V617 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 08/11/1999 |
| From: | Dicus G, The Chairman NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Celeste R U.S. EMBASSIES |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20210V623 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9908230160 | |
| Download: ML20210V617 (1) | |
Text
r 3-Tbps UNITED STATES
.k NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION g
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August 11, 1999 CHAIRMAN e
The Honorable Richard F. Celeste Ambassador of the United States of America U.S. Embassy Shanti Path Chanakyapuri 110021 New Delhi, India
Dear Ambassador Celeste:
I am writing in response to your letter of June 10,1999, requesting support for reestablishing the Science Counselor position in New Delhi. I am pleased to have this opportunity to reflect on the positive encounters I and my predecessor Chairmen of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have had with Science Counselors at not only the Embassy in New Delhi, but in the few posts at which they remain around the world.
As the head of a largely technical and scientific agency with a small but important international role, I and the NRC staff have often relied on the skills of the Science Counselors in both understanding NRC's mission and effectively interfacing with our foreign counterparts on our behalf. While I have not traveled to India, I know from reports generated by previous NRC Chairmen during their visits in 1995 and 1998 that the officers holding the Science Counselor portfolio were instrumental in preparing for and executing visit programs that were technically and politically complex. While the Indian government decision to detonate nuclear explosive devices in May 1998 has halted our proposed cooperation with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, it does not obviate the need for continued interaction with the Indian scientific community in many other venues. On behalf of the Commission, I support the reintroduction of Science Counselors at U.S. Embassies as needed, and the State Department Office of Inspector Gerieral's formal recommendation of reestablishing the Science Comselor position in the U.S. Embassy in India.
Sincerely,
- atAa, oo tc e s
G ta Joy Dicus l
e.. o M2 9908230160 990611 PDR COMMS hNtCC CORRESPONDENCE PDR