EGYPTIAN DISARMAMENT OFFICE COMMENTS ON NAM

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 003419 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/04/2016 TAGS: PREL IAEA UNSC EG IR KNNP SUBJECT: EGYPTIAN DISARMAMENT OFFICE COMMENTS ON NAM STATEMENT ON IRAN REF: STATE 89324 Classified by ECPO Counselor John Desrocher for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) In response to reftel demarche, the MFA's Disarmament Office Director Dr. Hossam Aly told poloff June 4 that Egypt did work to moderate the NAM statement on Iran at the ministerial meeting in Malaysia. Dr. Aly said that the original proposed Ministerial Statement had been much worse and that Egypt insisted on changes to improve the document. He said, for example, that Egypt pressed for the statement urging Iran to cooperation with the IAEA. Acknowledging that the document contains unhelpful language, Aly said that Egypt's position in the NAM is very delicate, and it must avoid taking stances that will lead other NAM members to criticize Egypt as a tool of the USG. Poloff noted that the Iranian matter is an issue of concern for the entire international community (not just the U.S.) and that Egypt's support in maintaining a united position is key. ¶2. (C) Aly said that while Egypt welcomes the U.S. willingness to engage with Iran on the nuclear file, there is concern that the move signals a "narrowing" of the range of options available to resolve the issue. He speculated that Iran would refuse any negotiations package because the enrichment matter had become so important to Iran's national pride that Ahmadinejad may now view the program as a matter of both regime survival and international legitimacy. Reiterating the GOE position on the need to avoid using military means to address the nuclear problem, Aly urged the U.S. to remain patient and to consider exploring other verification options that would allow the international community to remain engaged with Iran. Iran's withdrawal from the NPT, Aly said, would be a disaster and would lead other nations in the region to initiate nuclear programs. JONES