    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [April 16, 1991]
    [Pages 374-375]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting the Czech and Slovak Federal
    Republic-United States Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement
    April 16, 1991

    To the Congress of the United States:
        I am pleased to transmit to the Congress, pursuant to sections 123
    b. and 123 d. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C.
    2153(b), (d)), the text of a proposed Agreement Between the Government
    of the United States of America and the Government of the Czech and
    Slovak Federal Republic on Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear
    Energy with accompanying annex and agreed minute. I am also pleased to
    transmit copies of my written approval, authorization, and determination
    concerning the agreement; the memorandum of the Director of the United
    States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency with the Nuclear
    Proliferation Assessment Statement concerning the agreement; and the
    joint memorandum submitted to me by the Secretary of State and the
    Secretary of Energy, which includes a summary of the provisions of the
    agreement and various other attachments, including agency views.
        The proposed agreement with the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic
    (CSFR) has been negotiated in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act of
    1954, as amended by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 and as
    otherwise amended. In my judgment, the proposed agreement meets all
    statutory requirements and will advance the non-proliferation and other
    foreign policy interests of the United States. It provides a
    comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation between the
    United States and the CSFR under appropriate conditions and controls
    reflecting our strong common commitment to nuclear non-proliferation
    goals.
        The CSFR has consistently supported international efforts to prevent
    the spread of nuclear weapons. It was an original signatory of the Non-
    Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has strongly supported the treaty. It is

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    committed to implementing a responsible nuclear export policy, including
    a full-scope safeguards export requirement. It has actively supported
    the work of the NPT Exporters (``Zangger'') Committee and adheres to the
    London Nuclear Supplier Guidelines. It has participated in efforts to
    establish a multilateral system of nuclear-related dual-use export
    controls. The CSFR has been a member from the outset of the
    International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and has played a positive role
    in the Agency's safeguards and technical cooperation activities. It has
    also cooperated with the United States and other like-minded members in
    working to prevent the politicization of the Agency. The CSFR has
    ratified the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.
        I believe that peaceful nuclear cooperation with the CSFR under the
    proposed agreement will be fully consistent with, and supportive of, our
    policy of responding positively and constructively to the process of
    democratization and economic reform in Eastern Europe. Cooperation under
    the agreement will also provide opportunities for U.S. business on terms
    that fully protect vital U.S. national security interests.
        I have considered the views and recommendations of the interested
    agencies in reviewing the proposed agreement and have determined that
    its performance will promote, and will not constitute an unreasonable
    risk to, the common defense and security. Accordingly, I have approved
    the agreement and authorized its execution and urge that the Congress
    give it favorable consideration.
        Because this agreement meets all applicable requirements of the
    Atomic Energy Act, as amended, for agreements for peaceful nuclear
    cooperation, I am transmitting it to the Congress without exempting it
    from any requirement contained in section 123 a. of that Act. This
    transmission shall constitute a submittal for purposes of both sections
    123 b. and 123 d. of the Atomic Energy Act. The Administration is
    prepared to begin immediately the consultations with the Senate Foreign
    Relations and House Foreign Affairs Committees as provided in section
    123 b. Upon completion of the 30-day continuous session period provided
    for in section 123 b., the 60-day continuous session period provided for
    in section 123 d. shall commence.

                                                                 George Bush

    The White House,
    April 16, 1991.