GOE PLEDGES SUPPORT ON IRAN AT NAM

C O N F I D E N T I A L QUITO 002276 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/05/2016 TAGS: PGOV IR PHUM PREL PTER IAEA UNSC EC SUBJECT: GOE PLEDGES SUPPORT ON IRAN AT NAM REF: STATE 149133 Classified By: PolOff Jarahn Hillsman for reasons 1.4 (b&d) ¶1. (C) The DCM delivered RefTel points on September 12 to Vice Foreign Minister Diego Ribadeneira, conveying USG concerns that some governments may use the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Havana to adopt a common position in support of Iran's nuclear program. The DCM stressed the importance of the international community standing together to persuade Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons pursuit, and urged the GOE to avoid any NAM outcome document that would run counter to international efforts. Ribadeneira agreed with our concerns and assured us that the GOE would not back any statement in support of Iran's nuclear ambitions. He confirmed that Foreign Minister Francisco Carrion recently decided to attend the NAM Summit, accompanying President Palacio. Ribadaneira promised to share our concerns with the Foreign Minister. ¶2. (C) PolOff delivered RefTel points to Acting Director General for Multilateral Affairs Eduardo Duran on September ¶11. Duran said he would convey the points to the advance GOE delegation in Havana, which includes MFA U/S for Multilateral Affairs Gonzalo Salvador. ¶3. (C) Comment: The GOE is normally supportive of international efforts to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions, while maintaining that sovereign nations have the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful use. After we complained to Salvador about Ecuador's support for the unbalanced declaration on Iran at the last NAM summit in Kuala Lumpur, the GOE lodged a reservation to the declaration. Hopefully his presence in Havana ensures the GOE will not make the same mistake twice. JEWELL