UAE RESPONSE TO IRANIAN EFFORT TO REASSURE GCC

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 001903

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR NEA/FO; NEA/ARP; S/CT

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/08/2016
TAGS: PREL PARM IR AE
SUBJECT: UAE RESPONSE TO IRANIAN EFFORT TO REASSURE GCC
ABOUT ITS NUCLEAR PROGRAM

Classified By: Classified by DCM Martin Quinn for reasons 1.4 (b) and (
e).


1. (U) On May 6, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin
Zayed (AbZ) spoke to the press at the conclusion of the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) consultative summit in Riyadh.
According to WAM, the UAE's official news agency, when asked
if the GCC had received any assurances from Iran that its
nuclear program would be strictly for peaceful purposes, AbZ
responded that Iran's nuclear program is "worrisome not only
for us, but for the entire world." He stated that Iran's
offerings were insufficient, noting, "Iran has commitments to
honor to the international community and to the IAEA, as well
as moral commitments to its neighbors." AbZ called for Iran
to deal with the GCC in "full transparency" with respect to
its nuclear program. According to local press reports, Iran
tried to reassure its Gulf Arab neighbors that have expressed
concern about the safety of Iran,s nuclear plant at Bushehr.
"There is nothing to worry about, we have spent a lot of
money on its (environmental) safety and the security of the
plant," according to an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman
quoted in the May 8 English daily "Gulf News"(source AFP).


2. (U) WAM further reported AbZ stating: "We (GCC members) do
appreciate Iran's efforts to reassure its neighbors. Yet, to
ensure security and stability for future generations, and to
preclude and potential hazards to the environment, Iran has
to offer more assurances--and we are trying to get them."
AbZ noted that although Iran and the GCC are bound by
political, economic, social, and historic ties, there are
points of discontent in the relationship, this program
included. But, despite these contentions, Iran is considered
a Muslim neighbor and the GCC is obligated to "do our best to
improve these relations." AbZ stated that the GCC would not
try to mediate between Iran and the West over nuclear issues.
The Gulf News previously reported that during an April visit
to Kuwait AbZ stated that the concern over Iran's nuclear
program must not push us towards "any option other than a
peaceful solution."

3.(C) Note: Septel forthcoming on AbZ May 7 debrief on Riyadh
GCC Consultative Summit for Ambassador and S/CT A/S Hank
Crumpton.
SISON