IRAN: GOE AGAINST NO ACTION, FAVORS UNSC REFERRAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L QUITO 002607 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: TEN YEARS TAGS: PHUM EC UNHRC SUBJECT: IRAN: GOE AGAINST NO ACTION, FAVORS UNSC REFERRAL REF: STATE 207928 Classified By: PolOff Jarahn Hillsman for reason 1.4 (b&d) ¶1. (C) The DCM delivered RefTel points on November 15 to MFA U/S for Multilateral Affairs Mauricio Montalvo, requesting GOE support in opposing the no action motion against the pending human rights resolution on Iran. The DCM stressed the importance of maintaining the Third Committee's credibility as a forum for addressing human rights abuses, and showing international community concern for the Iranian people. Montalvo said that he was in contact with Ecuador's mission in New York and that the GOE would likely support USG efforts, adding that the GOE also condemns Tehran's crackdown on basic freedoms. ¶2. (C) The DCM reminded Montalvo that Iran's recent actions and hostile language towards Israel justifies referring the rogue nation's nuclear program to the UNSC. Montalvo said Ecuador is currently discussing the issue with the other Latin American countries on the 2005-2006 IAEA Board of Governors, and should have an official position soon. He implied that the GOE would likely support the EU-3 initiative. JEWELL