AUSTRALIA GROUP: IRAN SEEKING GLASS-LINED

S E C R E T PARIS 008561 SIPDIS STATE FOR ISN/CB,ISN/MTR E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/20/2030 TAGS: PARM PREL ETTC FR IR CBW SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA GROUP: IRAN SEEKING GLASS-LINED EQUIPMENT FROM FRENCH AND GERMAN FIRMS: DEMARCHE DELIVERED REF: STATE 211379 Classified By: ACTING ESTH/NP COUNSELOR VALERIE BELON FOR REASONS 1.5 ( B),(D),AND (H). ¶1. (S) On December 16, ESTH/NP Officers delivered talking points contained in REFTEL to Etienne Sur, who is responsible for chemical disarmament at the MFA. Mr. Sur understood the points delivered and conveyed his appreciation for the information and willingness to investigate the situation further. He explained that any items controlled by the Australia Group are subject to export restriction in France. Sur added that, given the current concerns regarding Iran, little to nothing of a sensitive nature was being approved for export to Iran. Hence he was confident these items would not leave France. Nevertheless, he indicated that GOF would inquire into the specifications of the glass-lined equipment with the French companies, and will contact ESTH officers when they have further information regarding the potential sale. Please visit Paris' Classified Website at: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm Stapleton