GOB ON IRAN-- MIXED SIGNALS

S E C R E T LA PAZ 003294 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/06/2016 TAGS: PGOV PREL KNNP MNUC PARM BL VE IR SUBJECT: GOB ON IRAN-- MIXED SIGNALS REF: LA PAZ 2222 Classified By: Ecopol Counselor Andrew Erickson for reasons 1.4 (b),(c ) and (d). ¶1. (SBU) Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) Deputy Javier Zabaleta announced in early November that Bolivia would support Iran's nuclear activities and oppose U.S. policy on Iran. Zabaleta criticized the United States' "double edged" policy and said the matter should be resolved via peaceful means, within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Organization. ¶2. (S/NF) Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera, on the other hand, told PDAS Shapiro November 29 that the GOB recognizes that Iran, like Iraq and North Korea, is a "special issue" for the United States. He said Bolivia would be "foolish to provoke" the United States regarding Iran, and that the GOB's priority is merely to maximize international cooperation and assistance. President Morales has announced that Bolivia will open embassies in India, South Africa, and in an unnamed middle eastern country (likely Iran). ¶3. (S/NF) Comment: There is much speculation that Venezuela continues to promote Bolivia's relationship with Iran. Sensitive reporting indicates that Iran delayed attempts to expand activity in Bolivia until after Venezuelan President Chavez' re-election. Now that Chavez has a clear mandate for another term, sensitive reporting indicates that Iran will use Venezuelan political cover to ramp up activities in Bolivia. End comment. URS