IRAN/IAEA: EGYPT AND U.S. "SEE EYE TO EYE,"

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 001319

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2016
TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP EG IR IAEA
SUBJECT: IRAN/IAEA: EGYPT AND U.S. "SEE EYE TO EYE,"
BELIEVES METHODICAL APPROACH AT MARCH BOARD MEETING BEST
APPROACH

REF: STATE 33729

Classified by ECPO Minister Counselor Michael Corbin for
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) MFA Office Director for Disarmament Affairs Dr.
Hossam Eldeen Aly conveyed to Emboff that Egypt saw "eye to
eye" with the USG on dealing with Iran at the IAEA. After
reviewing USG analysis (reftel) of the latest IAEA Director
General's report and recommended elements to include in
national statements, Aly said that the U.S. position was
reasonable. Aly committed to bringing the U.S. demarche (and
non-paper) directly to the Minister's attention. Aly asked
whether the U.S. delegation wanted a Chairman's Statement or
a Chairman's Conclusion, and emphasized that it was important
for the March 6 meeting to produce a "collective board
decision" on next steps.


2. (C) Aly categorically rejected any notion that Egypt
supported a new BOG resolution at the upcoming meetings, and
emphasized the importance of proceeding methodically and
carefully. Aly said that Egypt wished to "postpone
escalation," and prevent Iran from having an excuse to pull
out of the NPT altogether.
RICCIARDONE