Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06GABORONE786
2006-06-15 12:42:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Gaborone
Cable title:  

DEMARCHE DELIVERED: IRAN ARMS

Tags:  BC ETRD ETTC IR PARM PREL 
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VZCZCXYZ0024
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHOR #0786 1661242
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
P 151242Z JUN 06
FM AMEMBASSY GABORONE
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3312
S E C R E T GABORONE 000786 

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

FOR ISN/CATR, AF/RSA, AF/S (MUNCY)

E.O. 12958: DNG: CO 06/15/2016
TAGS: BC ETRD ETTC IR PARM PREL
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: IRAN ARMS

REF: STATE 96298

Classified By: CHARGE D'AFFAIRES L. AROIAN, FOR REASONS 1.4(B) and (D).

S E C R E T GABORONE 000786

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

FOR ISN/CATR, AF/RSA, AF/S (MUNCY)

E.O. 12958: DNG: CO 06/15/2016
TAGS: BC ETRD ETTC IR PARM PREL
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: IRAN ARMS

REF: STATE 96298

Classified By: CHARGE D'AFFAIRES L. AROIAN, FOR REASONS 1.4(B) and (D).


1. (S) Referenced demarche on Botswana's purchase of small
arms ammunition form Iran was delivered to the Director for
Europe and North America, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on 15
June. Director Sesara George stated that while he was not
aware of the purchase, he was personally "aghast" to hear of
it, and would immediately follow up with appropriate
officials to convey U.S. concerns and learn the background of
the transaction.


2. (S) Botswana does not have a Ministry of Defense, and the
President's constitutional authority as commander-in-chief is
exercised through the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.
Military procurement is a notably opaque process. Once he
learned of the subject of the demarche, Director George
telephoned Presidential Affairs to see if a senior officer
could join the meeting, but none was available. Director
George stated that he understood that a frank and informative
reply was needed to this demarche, regardless of whether or
not the deal could be cancelled, and promised to be in
contact with us as soon as he had further information.
AROIAN