DEMARCHE IN ADVANCE OF NAM MINISTERIAL MEETING MAY

S E C R E T DHAKA 003060 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/25/2016 TAGS: PREL AORC IAEA KNNP UNSC IR SUBJECT: DEMARCHE IN ADVANCE OF NAM MINISTERIAL MEETING MAY 27 REF: STATE 83239 Classified By: P/E Counselor D.C. McCullough, reason para 1.4 b and d. ¶1. (S) On May 25, we conveyed reftel points to MFA UN Director Hamid Rashid, stressing the importance of addressing Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability and holding it accountable to its international obligations. Rashid expressed appreciation for the points and undertook to ensure they were brought to Foreign Minister Khan's attention as they both travel tomorrow to Kuala Lumpur. ¶2. (S) Rashid stated that there was no doubt that the NAM ministerial meeting would issue a declaration on Iran. He characterized the draft declaration language as "pretty generic and consistent" with what the NAM has said previously on Iran. Bangladesh would advocate a moderate text, he said, and strongly opposed any attempt by especially an NPT member state to develop a "nuclear option." ¶3. (S) Asked about Iranian President Ahmedinejad's photographed encounter with FM Khan at the Bangladesh trade booth of the recent D8 summit, Rashid downplayed it as routine protocol. Regarding Bangladeshi press speculation that Ahmedinejad would visit Bangladesh soon, Hamid said he had "no news" on that front and would not expect it to happen "anytime soon." BUTENIS