PARAGUAY REPSONSE ON DEMARCHE ON THE GROWING IRAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASUNCION 000476

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

WHA/AND FOR MARK WELLS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/08/2026
TAGS: PREL MARR PHUM MASS ECON PTER VE PA
SUBJECT: PARAGUAY REPSONSE ON DEMARCHE ON THE GROWING IRAN
- VENEZUELA RELATIONSHIP

REF: STATE 61378

Classified By: A/POL Sterling D. Tilley, Jr.; Reasons 1.4(b),(d)


1. (C) A/DCM conveyed concerns 6/5 over increasing ties
between Iran and Venezuela to the MFA,s U/S for Bilateral
Affairs Ceferino Valdez. Valdez took copious notes and
inquired whether the Secretary would be raising this issue
when she meets with FM Ramirez on 6/14. Valdez also described
Paraguay,s efforts to rebuff diplomatically Iran,s efforts
to establish formal ties with Paraguay. Paraguay declined to
accept Iran,s August 2006 invitation to send an MFA official
to Iran for consultations. Iran has repeatedly sought an
invitation for its Agriculture Minister to visit Paraguay for
the purpose of exploring the purchase of Paraguayan beef and
soy. To date, Paraguay has not extended an invitation.


2. (C) Post requests Department consider taking advantage
of the Secretary's June 14th meeting with FM Ramirez to
convey concern about Venezuela,s ties with Iran and commend
Paraguay for resisting overtures to establish ties with Iran.

FITZPATRICK