IRANIAN VP VISITS SUDAN, BASHIR PLEDGES SUPPORT

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000255 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/SPG, NEA/IR, S/CT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PINR PGOV IR SU SUBJECT: IRANIAN VP VISITS SUDAN, BASHIR PLEDGES SUPPORT ¶1. (U) Iranian Vice President Dr. Ahmad al-Musawi visited Sudan on January 25 and 26 to discuss bilateral relations. He delivered a letter from President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad to President Omar al-Bashir. In a press conference, Musawi said the letter outlined Iranian policy aimed at strengthening cooperation among Islamic states, in particular with African ones. He expressed support for a Sudanese solution to Darfur, saying enemies want to interfere in Sudan's internal affairs. ¶2. (U) In the press conference, Musawi also reasserted Iran's commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its right to peaceful nuclear technology. He said referring the Iranian nuclear issue to the UN Security Council would complicate matters, and he accused Israel of orchestrating such a plot. Bashir pledged support for Iran's position on peaceful use of nuclear technology. ¶3. (U) Musawi's tour of North African countries has also included Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Libya, and Algeria. HUME