MFA REAFFIRMS PSI INTEREST, TAKING IRAN SERIOUSLY

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MUSCAT 000603 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR T, ISN/CPI, NEA, NEA/RA, NEA/ARPI NSC FOR N. RAMCHAND CENTCOM FOR CCJ5 CJCS FOR DJ5 E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/16/2016 TAGS: PREL MNUC IR MU SUBJECT: MFA REAFFIRMS PSI INTEREST, TAKING IRAN SERIOUSLY REF: A. MUSCAT 590 ¶B. SECSTATE 56944 Classified By: Ambassador Gary A. Grappo. Reason: 1.4 (b, d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request for T, ISN - please see para ¶6. -------------- Summary -------------- ¶2. (C) Clarifying FM Bin Alawi's April 9 conversation with visiting U/S Robert Joseph, the MFA's Chief of International Organizations on April 16 reiterated to the Ambassador Oman's interest in participating in upcoming PSI events. He likewise underscored the Sultanate's clear understanding of Iran's nuclear program, assuring that Oman is willing to make "tough decisions" concerning its troublesome neighbor but only after deliberate and careful study. End summary. -------------- Open to PSI Involvement, Seeking Details -------------- ¶3. (C) MFA International Organizations Department Chief Ambassador Talib Miran al-Raisi convoked the Ambassador on April 16 at FM Yusuf bin Alawi's request to reiterate Oman's interest in, and obtain additional details about, the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) activities raised during Under Secretary Robert Joseph's April 9 visit (ref A). Al-Raisi requested further information on the PSI High Level Political Meeting taking place in Poland in June. Ambassador noted that Oman may soon receive an invitation to attend a PSI-related exercise in Turkey in May (ref B),to which al-Raisi also expressed Omani interest. Al-Raisi could not be pinned down, however, on the issue of whether Oman would publicize its participation in PSI. -------------- Not Afraid of Tough Decisions on Iran -------------- ¶4. (C) Turning to the Minister and Under Secretary's discussion of Iran, al-Raisi underscored in clear terms to the Ambassador that Oman takes Iran's nuclear program very seriously, and is diligently monitoring all new developments. He reminded the Ambassador that "Oman has made tough decisions in the past," specifically pointing to its position in favor of the 1979 Camp David Accords and to its support to the U.S. in Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Foreign Ministry, however, is careful and deliberate in its formulation of policy. Therefore, he said, Oman is making thorough analysis of all aspects of the Iran crisis and any possible alternatives. While Oman is well aware that Iran is advanced in its nuclear technical capabilities, the Sultanate has not yet reached firm conclusions on Tehran's ultimate intentions. This provides a small window to examine other options, though al-Raisi repeated that Oman is not afraid to take "hard decisions." -------------- Comment -------------- ¶5. (C) As a career military man who rose to become commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman, Ambassador al-Raisi has long been a refreshing iconoclast at the Foreign Ministry and a welcome Embassy contact on issues ranging from counter-terrorism and NATO engagement to arms control agreements and UN reform. As the MFA's senior official following Iran's stand-off with the IAEA, it was disappointing that he was not included in the Minister's meeting with U/S Joseph. His assurances to the Ambassador, however, appeared designed to smooth the rough edges in the FM's message to the Under Secretary, and also to remind us that Oman stands firmly with the U.S., even as it takes deliberate study of Iran's nuclear activities. -------------- Action Request MUSCAT 00000603 002 OF 002 -------------- ¶6. (C) As we await Turkey's decision on inviting GCC states to its May PSI exercise, we request information that might be shared with Oman concerning the June PSI event in Poland. We likewise request information to pass along to MFA concerning the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) initiative mentioned in the Under Secretary's visit. GRAPPO