VENEZUELA: LUKEWARM REACTION TO STATEMENT ON IRAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 001617 SIPDIS SIPDIS HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD FRC FT LAUDERDALE FOR CLAMBERT COPENHAGEN FOR DLAWTON E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/10/2031 TAGS: PREL PGOV PARM VE IR SUBJECT: VENEZUELA: LUKEWARM REACTION TO STATEMENT ON IRAN REF: STATE 87682 Classified By: Robert Downes, Political Counselor, for Reason 1.4(b). ¶1. (C) The Ambassador called Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) Foreign Minister Ali Rodriguez on May 31, to deliver the points in reftel. The Ambassador conveyed our strong hope that the BRV would issue a public statement of support, publicly encourage Iran to suspend its enrichment and processing activities, and continue to focus the spotlight on Iran. The Ambassador indicated to Rodriguez that we were reaching out to the BRV in part because of its close relationship with Iran, and because senior Iranian representatives are presently in Venezuela attending the OPEC conference. ¶2. (C) Rodriguez asked if private assurances from Iran would be acceptable. The Ambassador indicated that we made our offer in public, and we would expect the same in return from Iran. Rodriguez indicated that, as a matter of policy, he thought dialogue was a good thing. When asked if that meant he supported the initiative, he repeated his statement. Rodriguez stated he would confer with President Chavez and would speak with the Iranian Energy Minister at the OPEC dinner on May 31. The Ambassador invited Rodriguez to get back to him with further BRV reactions, observations, or questions. BROWNFIELD