UPDATE ON AMIA INDICTMENTS

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/27/2016
TAGS: PTER KJUS PREL PGOV AR FBI
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON AMIA INDICTMENTS

REF: A. BUENOS AIRES 2411


B. BUENOS AIRES 2092

C. BUENOS AIRES 1612

Classified By: Charge d'affaires Michael Matera for reasons
1.4(b)and(d)


1. (C) Summary: Local press coverage of the October 25
release of the AMIA Prosecutors' report remains relatively
low-key. The Iranian Mission here has rejected the
Prosecutors' findings, dismissed the report as the work of
the CIA and Mossad, and cautioned Argentine officials not to
repeat the mistakes of the past, referring to the
international capture notices issued by the previous judge in
the case, Jose Galeano. A demonstration in support of Iran,
organized by various leftist piquitero groups and groups
associated with an Iranian-supported mosque, is scheduled for
2:00PM today in front of the Iranian Mission. AMIA Prosecutor
Nisman told the CDA that he expects the responsible judge in
this case, Canicoba Corral, to make his decision and issue
arrest warrants in three to four weeks. The GOA has not made
any public statements regarding the report. The silence
emanating from the Casa Rosada is a clear indication that it
prefers to let this issue take its natural course and avoid
direct confrontation at this time with Iran. Embassy does
not anticipate the government trying to influence one way or
the other the judge's issuance of the arrest warrants. CDA
and Embassy Officers are prepared to consult with senior
Foreign Ministry and Casa Rosada officials and to discuss
ways in which the USG and others in the international
community can support the GOA, once the arrest warrants are
issues. Embassy is translating the Prosecutors' report
summary and will forward it soonest. End Summary.


2. (U) The AMIA story, 36 hours after the release of the
Prosecutors' indictments, is not receiving significant
attention, pushed off the front pages for the most part by
coverage of a controversial provincial election in Misiones
and the headline in Pagina 12 -- the left-leaning,
pro-government daily -- proclaiming that the U.S. and Latin
America are farther apart than ever with the U.S.
administration's decision to go forward with the construction
of fences on the Mexican-U.S. border.


3. (U) Most of the AMIA coverage on October 27 was focused
on Iran's response, both here in Buenos Aires and coming out
of Tehran. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammed Ali
Hosseini is stated to have rejected the claims made in the
report and cautioning Argentine officials to "avoid past
mistakes and make reasonable and accurate documentation the
basis of any opinion." This latter admonition in reference
to the investigation and international capture notices issued
by the former AMIA investigating judge Juan Jose Galeano
(ref. C). The Iranian Charge d'affaires in Buenos Aires,
Mohsen Baharvand, is quoted as stating that the prosecutors'
accusations are based on reports from the CIA and Mossad.


4. (U) The GOA has remained largely silent on the issuance
and content of the report. Unnamed Foreign Ministry sources
are reported as stating the report's release is an important
step but the government remains cautious and would not be
changing its diplomatic relations, which remain at a low
level. The two major organizations representing the Argentine
Jewish community AMIA and DAIA have welcomed the report's
release and stated they will be asking the government to call
for international sanctions against Iran.


5. (U) In comments to the press, the judge in the case,
Rodolfo Canicoba Corral, has admitted the complexity of
bringing to justice those implicated in the case, noting the
failure of the international capture notices emitted by his
predecessor and the complete lack of cooperation from the
Iranian government.


6. (C) Comment: AMIA prosecutor Alberto Nisman told the CDA
on October 26 that he had spoken with Judge Canicoba Corral
and that the judge told him he expected to make his decision
within three-to-four weeks. Nisman said he didn't think the
judge would delay much longer given the tremendous attention
and pressure in the case. This time-frame would appear
reasonable given the length (800 pages) and complexity of the
report. The GOA's silence highlights its concerns about
overly antagonizing the Iranians. Embassy has no indications
at this time, however, that the government will try to delay,
or influence Canicoba Corral's deliberations. This posture
is consistent with the GOA's approach to the case over the
last year. The Casa Rosada has not backed away from its
commitment to see this case through, but is content to let
the judicial process proceed on its own. CDA and Embassy
Officers are prepared to consult with senior Foreign Ministry
and Casa Rosada officials on ways in which the USG and others
in the international community can support the GOA's efforts.
Embassy has spoken to colleagues in the Israeli Embassy --
which has issued its own statement October 26 in support of
the report -- and has been approached by the British and
Canadians seeking our take on events. In all these meetings,
we expressed our hope that their respective governments could
publicly support the efforts of the AMIA prosecutor and GOA
and noted that we would likely be consulting with them on
further steps to take once the arrest warrants are issued.
MATERA