EGYPT ON REFERRING IRAN TO THE UNSC: INCHING

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 000224

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/16/2016
TAGS: KNNP EG IR IAEA UNSC
SUBJECT: EGYPT ON REFERRING IRAN TO THE UNSC: INCHING
TOWARDS SUPPORT

REF: CAIRO 136

Classified by DCM Stuart Jones for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).


1. (C) Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit told IO Assistant
Secretary Silverberg on January 16 that if "compelled" to

SIPDIS
vote on whether the IAEA should refer Iran to the UNSC, he
would do so to prevent another nuclear capable state in the
region. Aboul Gheit qualified that he believes referral
would complicate the regional situation because of Iran's
negative reaction to referral. He also observed that the
public reaction to an Egyptian vote in favor of referral
would be negative. People will ask, "why not Israel" he
said. He said more than once "give me something" to use in
response, such as a reference to support for a establishing a
zone free of WMD in the Middle East (i.e. a reiteration of OP
14 of UNSCR 687). Aboul Gheit also stressed that while he
would say publicly that Iran's nuclear program must be
aborted, the GOE, along with others in the NAM, would prefer
to resolve this issue within the IAEA. Ultimately, he noted,
the West is responsible for the current situation because it
allowed Israel to become a nuclear power.


2. (C) The A/S stressed the urgency of the Iran matter,
noting that Iran, not Israel, is before the Board of
Governors. She added that a nuclear capable Iran would
destabilize the region by provoking an arms race with
devastating consequences. Aboul Gheit agreed that the result
would be disastrous and declared Egyptian opposition, in
principle, to a nuclear capable Iran.


3. (C) In a follow up discussion with poloff on January 16,
MFA's head of the Disarmament Department Dr. Hossam Aly said
that the decision on referring Iran is being considered at
the highest level of government. He said that he recommended
to the Minister that Egypt vote in favor of referral, but
noted that the ultimate decision will depend on the text.
Should the text make it appear that the move for referral is
based on broader political concerns, it would be difficult
for Egypt to support. But if the text clearly outlines the
history of Iran's conduct, recognizes the legitimate right of
nations to develop nuclear programs for peaceful purposes,
and acknowedges the need to create a nuclear free zone,
support would be far easier (Note: Aly did not indicate if
these suggestions for the text would be "deal makers"). For
many in the NAM, Aly said, recognition of the right to
development for peaceful purposes is key.


4. (U) A/S Silverberg cleared this cable.

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