PORTUGAL IN LINE WITH USG POSITION ON IRAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L LISBON 001871 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/31/2016 TAGS: KNNP PARM PGOV PREL EU UN IR PO SUBJECT: PORTUGAL IN LINE WITH USG POSITION ON IRAN REF: SECSTATE 143323 Classified By: Pol/Econ Officer Inga Heemink for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d ). ¶1. (C) In response to Pol/Econ Counselor's urging that FM Amado and other EU Foreign Ministers deliver a strong message on Iran at the Sept. 1-2 Gymnich meeting in Finland, particularly with regard to the need for firm action in the UNSC, MFA Acting Director for Security and Disarmament Pedro Sousa Abreu commented that the Portuguese position was consistent with the USG. Abreu stated that Amado departed for the Gymnich meeting with recommendations to push other foreign ministers for a strong statement. He hoped that the meeting would end with a strong statement. The GOP strongly agrees with the USG that the appropriate venue for any further action is the UNSC. Portugal remains supportive of sanctions against Iran but continues to believe that this will be a tough sell to the Chinese and the Russians. ¶2. (C) Comment. Portugal remains very closely aligned with the USG positon and believes that Iran must be dealt with firmly. End Comment O'Neal