US embassy cable - 04AMMAN6341

C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 006341 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/26/2014 
TAGS: SENV, PREL, PGOV, KRAD, JO 
SUBJECT: DIMONA RADIATION FEARS HEIGHTENED BY VANUNU 
STATEMENTS 
 
REF: AMMAN 06305 
 
Classified By: CDA David Hale for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d) 
 
 1. (C) SUMMARY: Comments made by Israeli nuclear scientist 
Mordechai Vanunu to a UK paper have inflamed public concerns 
in Jordan regarding Israel's Dimona reactor. The GOJ quickly 
countered Vanunu's claims that Jordanians - and others in the 
region - are at risk from leaks or other environmental 
effects. However, a popular perception remains that Dimona is 
a hazard that the government is unwilling to acknowledge. END 
SUMMARY. 
 
2. (U) Vanunu's recent comments specific to Jordan have 
gained wide attention among Jordanians. He reportedly told a 
UK-based newspaper that the Dimona reactor mainly operates 
when winds blow towards Jordan and that a strong earthquake 
could crack the reactor and cause millions of deaths in the 
region. He also advised the Jordanian government to examine 
residents near the border for radioactive contamination and 
to prepare for possible leaks. 
 
3. (SBU) In response to Vanunu's allegations, GOJ 
Spokesperson Asma Khader issued a statement that the Jordan 
Nuclear Energy Commission monitors radiation levels 
constantly near the border with Israel and has recorded no 
abnormal levels. Khader also restated GOJ support for all 
international efforts to create a nuclear-free Middle East. 
Most local papers carried only the GOJ denial of negative 
effects and not the Vanunu allegations themselves. 
 
4. (C) COMMENT: Vanunu's latest public remarks have once 
again raised concerns among the public - and press - about 
the health effects of Dimona. Since Vanunu's release from 
prison, his revelations have been repeated by the pan-Arab 
satellite channels, where most Jordanians get their news. The 
GOJ may have a credibility problem on this issue, as no 
independent studies of the health effects of Dimona have been 
conducted in Jordan. END COMMENT. 
 
HALE