Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ROME2984
2006-10-27 16:28:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Rome
Cable title:  

ITALY SEES NK UNSCR POSSIBLE PRELUDE TO UNSC

Tags:  PREL IT IZ LE NP XF IR UN KNNP 
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VZCZCXRO2654
RR RUEHDE
DE RUEHRO #2984/01 3001628
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
R 271628Z OCT 06
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6388
INFO RUEHAD/AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI 0435
RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD 0252
RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT 0264
RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL 0320
RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV 0918
RUEHDE/AMCONSUL DUBAI 0209
RUEHJM/AMCONSUL JERUSALEM 0411
RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 2821
RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA 0096
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0655
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 ROME 002984 

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR, NEA, IO, DRL,H

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/27/2026
TAGS: PREL IT IZ LE NP XF IR UN KNNP
SUBJECT: ITALY SEES NK UNSCR POSSIBLE PRELUDE TO UNSC
CONSENSUS ON IRAN

REF: ROME 2872

Classified By: Political M/C David D. Pearce, for reasons 1.4 (a) and (
d)

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 ROME 002984

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR, NEA, IO, DRL,H

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/27/2026
TAGS: PREL IT IZ LE NP XF IR UN KNNP
SUBJECT: ITALY SEES NK UNSCR POSSIBLE PRELUDE TO UNSC
CONSENSUS ON IRAN

REF: ROME 2872

Classified By: Political M/C David D. Pearce, for reasons 1.4 (a) and (
d)


1. (C) SUMMARY. Senator Gordon Smith met with MFA Political
Affairs Director General Terzi October 16. The Italians
noted the UNSCR on North Korea, though not as robust as
ideally desired, left hope the UNSC might reach similar
consensus on Iran. Terzi stressed the goal of UNSC action
must be to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, while at
the same time showing Iran the UN is serious. Terzi said
Italy was increasing economic pressure on Iran, even without
a formal sanctions regime in place, and cooperating closely
with the U.S. on preventing the sale of dual-use technology.
The Senator noted the momentum in Congress towards sanctions
legislation, and expressed understanding for the impact on
the Italian economy sanctions might have, but noted they are
preferable to military conflict. Terzi raised Italy's firm
commitment in Lebanon and its hope that UNIFIL can set the
stage for re-launching the MEPP. He said Italy sought to do
more security training through NATO in Iraq and to strengthen
its PRT in Afghanistan. END SUMMARY

Italy Hopes for Movement on MEPP
--------------


2. (C) Terzi began the meeting with a discussion of Lebanon.
He pointed out the foundations for UNSCR 1701 were laid at
the Rome Conference with the input of all the major players,
and that the Italian government was committed to seeing its
successful implementation. Terzi commented on Italy's role
in getting other EU partners, specifically the French and
Germans, involved.


3. (C) Terzi emphasized the importance of UNIFIL in
providing at least a minimal level of security, necessary for
reconstruction and reinforcing the democratic government of
PM Siniora. He observed that without stability in Lebanon,
the region risks being overrun with the destabilizing
influences of Syria and Iran.


4. (C) Terzi expressed hope that the international

community's involvement in Lebanon could lead to renewed
efforts to resolve the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian
conflict. Terzi referenced a September 28 letter from FM
D'Alema to the Secretary suggesting one possibility for next
steps might be for the Quartet to convene an expanded meeting
to include major European players and major regional players
such as Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia to support Abu Mazen.
He said Italy saw the prospect of a Palestinian national
unity government as a possibility, but noted Abu Mazen needs
continued encouragement from the international community.

Afghanistan - Italy wants to do More
-------------- ---


5. (C) On Afghanistan, Terzi insisted Italy's commitment
remains unchanged, and that Italy is trying to increase its
role in Institution Building and Rule of Law programs and the
war on drugs; and to further develop the mission of its PRT.

IRAQ - A Possible Expanded Role for Italy Through NTM-I
-------------- --------------


6. (C) Terzi underscored Italy's continued commitment to the
NATO Training Mission in Iraq and indicated Italy was
potentially willing to expand its role in Iraq through NATO.

IRAN/NORTH KOREA/SANCTIONS - A Top Priority for PM Prodi
-------------- --------------


7. (C) Terzi said non-proliferation was an absolute
priority for the Prodi government. He noted that even though
Italy is not in the inner circle, Italy plays a key role as a
supporter of EU-Three initiatives both in Brussels and
bi-laterally. Terzi expressed disappointment with the status
of negotiations with Iran at the moment, but said it was
still possible for the Iranian leadership to move towards a

ROME 00002984 002 OF 002


more constructive position. Terzi agreed now is the time for
the UNSC to send a clear signal to Iran that the UNSC remains
actively seized of the matter and intends to begin action
under Chapter VII Article 4. Of course, sending such a
signal also involves some risks, and it is of the utmost
importance that the UN, in taking action, doesn't force Iran
into a corner from which it cannot emerge without losing
'face.' Terzi stressed the goal of UNSC action must be to
bring Iran back to the negotiating table, while at the same
time showing Iran the UN is serious and will take action if
Iran does not comply with IAEA requirements.


8. (S/NF) Terzi said Italy was increasing economic pressure
on Iran, even without a formal sanctions regime in place, and
cooperating closely with the U.S. on preventing the sale of
dual-use technology to Iran. Terzi specifically referenced
his October 13 meeting with Embassy Rome Econ Minister
Counselor and said the Italian government had followed up
with the companies in question (see Reftel),pointing out the
companies might face exclusion from the American market if
they export certain dual-use goods to Iran.


9. (C) The Italians noted the UNSCR on North Korea, though
perhaps not as robust as ideally desired, set a great
precedent and left hope that the UNSC might reach similar
consensus on Iran.


10. (C) The Senator noted the momentum in Congress towards
some type of sanctions legislation, stressing that the U.S.
prefers to exhaust all diplomatic and economic options before
resorting to military measures. He expressed understanding
for the impact on the Italian economy that economic sanctions
on Iran might have, but noted they are preferable to military
conflict.

UN - Italy Cautiously Optimistic on UN Reform & Seeking a
Seat on Human Rights Council
-------------- --------------


11. (C) Terzi noted that although some minor successes on
UN Reform had been achieved, much remains to be done. He
expressed optimism at the fact that the new UNSYG comes from
a management background and thus will hopefully continue to
'clean house.' Terzi added he was pleased that UNSC Reform
had been tabled for the moment, and noted Italy is not
currently seeking a permanent seat, nor does it support
another seat for any EU country. Terzi explained that
Italy's priority is to bring the EU to a point where it can
express a common foreign policy and having any additional EU
seats would only frustrate that goal. He added Italy would
be putting itself forward as a candidate for the Human Rights
Council next year.


12. (U) This cable was not cleared by CODEL Smith.
SPOGLI