SHIPMENT OF PROLIFERATION CONCERN - IRAN ASKING

S E C R E T ABU DHABI 000743 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR T, ISN, NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/01/2032 TAGS: PARM PREL ETTC MNUC IR CH AE SUBJECT: SHIPMENT OF PROLIFERATION CONCERN - IRAN ASKING FOR REASON BEHIND STOP REF: A. STATE 60894 ¶B. ABU DHABI 737 ¶C. ABU DHABI 734 ¶D. ABU DHABI 728 ¶E. STATE 58623 Classified By: Ambassador Michele J. Sison for reasons 1.4 (b, c, and d ). ¶1. (U) This is an urgent action request. Please see para 4. ¶2. (S) MFA Director for International Organizations Yacoub Al-Hosani (a member of the UAE Counterproliferation Task Force) called Econchief on May 6 to inform him that the second and third containers had been inspected and found to contain "tools for civil use" and were not/not destined to UNSCR 1737 or 1747 listed entities. Although he said that he did not have details of this shipment, he said that he understood that they contained drills. ¶3. (S) Al-Hosani also said that the Iranian authorities had contacted the UAE to demand answers about why the UAEG had blocked a shipment in transit and to seek the release of the goods. Al-Hosani said that the UAE had explained that UNSCRs 1737 and 1747 gave it both the right and the obligation to inspect and -- if necessary -- block cargo. The UAE has informed the GoI that the contents of the first container are covered under UNSCR 1747. He said that the Iranians would be coming "at a high level" in two days and would be seeking the release of the cargo. (Note: We believe that Al-Hosani is discussing the advance team for the anticipated May 13 visit of Iranian President Ahmadinejad. End Note.) Absent further information from the USG, he said, the UAE would very likely need to release the second and third containers no later than the arrival of the GoI delegation. The UAEG still intends to send container one back to China, but wants to be sure that it will be accepted. ¶4. (S) Action Request: Please provide any additional information that post can share with the UAEG about the second and third containers that might indicate a violation of UNSCRs 1737 or 1747. Given the pressure that the Iranians are likely to put on the UAE, we appreciate ref a action request to Embassy Beijing to inform Chinese authorities and urge them to recall the shipment as soon as possible. End Action Request. SISON