(C-NE6-00140) CURRENTLY NO IRANIAN DIPLOMATIC

S E C R E T MANAGUA 000474 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN AND INR/I E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/22/2031 TAGS: PINR PREL NU SUBJECT: (C-NE6-00140) CURRENTLY NO IRANIAN DIPLOMATIC PRESENCE IN NICARAGUA REF: A. STATE 26750 ¶B. MANAGUA 134 Classified By: AMBASSADOR PAUL TRIVELLI. REASONS 1.4 (B,D). ¶1. (S) According to the Nicaraguan Foreign Ministry, although Nicaragua and Iran do enjoy diplomatic relations, the Government of Iran currently has no diplomatic presence in Nicaragua, neither an embassy or consulate, nor any bilateral or international agency representations. The Iranian Embassy in Mexico is responsible for covering Nicaragua. As a result, there are currently no Iranian diplomatic activities in Nicaragua and no official public exposure. 2.(S) As reported in reftel B, Nicaragua theoretically owes Iran approximately USD 300 million in old oil debt from the 1980s, and Foreign Minister Norman Caldera has stated that the two countries may have to discuss ways to resolve the issue at some point. ¶3. (S) In recent years, the GON has periodically contacted the Embassy prior to issuing visas to at least some Iranian travelers coming to Nicaragua for unstated purposes. The GON has requested checks on four such travelers since January 2005, two of these during February 2006. ¶4. (S) The total number of Iranians resident in Nicaragua or passing through the country is unknown. Post is investigating this subject and will report on it septel. TRIVELLI