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