[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.