NORWAY STILL NOT FIRM ON REPORTING IRAN TO UNSC

C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000056 SIPDIS UNVIE FOR AMB SCHULTE E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/13/2016 TAGS: PARM KNNP PREL AORC IR NO SUBJECT: NORWAY STILL NOT FIRM ON REPORTING IRAN TO UNSC REF: A. SECSTATE 5477 ¶B. OSL 46 Classified By: P/E Counselor Mike Hammer, rason 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) The Ambassador raied ref A with Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Stoere on January 13. FM Stoere noted that the MFA had called in the Iranian Ambassador the previous day (before the EU-3 announcement) and made clear its deep concerns. Stoere understands the growing need for the IAEA to refer the matter to the UNSC but worries that the UNSC will not take action and that we will have another situation like North Korea. ¶2. (C) Stoere also said that the current dynamic could be dangerous as it could lead to a military option against Iran if not managed wisely. FM is keen to see diplomatic efforts continued. Stoere noted that he will meet DG El Baradei on January 17 in Vienna. The Ambassador noted the extensive efforts that have been undertaken to date and the EU-3's conclusion that it is time to refer the matter to the UNSC. The Ambassador also stressed the need for the international community to continue to apply pressure on Iran given that it is not responding. ¶3. (C) Comment. FM Stoere's response was disappointing. Working level conversations on the morning of January 13, and over the past days (ref b),had led us to believe that Stoere would be much more forward leaning than he was. We believe that ultimately Norway will fall into line behind the EU-3, but the Norwegians are not there yet, and we need to continue to work on them. Visit Oslo's Classified website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/oslo/index.cf m WHITNEY NNNN