THIRD PARTY ATTEMPTS TO PURCHASE BOEING AIRCRAFT

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BERLIN 000073 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/IR AND EUR/AGS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/11/2016 TAGS: ETTC PREL EAIR IR GM SUBJECT: THIRD PARTY ATTEMPTS TO PURCHASE BOEING AIRCRAFT FOR IRAN Classified By: EMIN Robert F. Cekuta for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Following up on previous discussions with Boeing's Germany office, Boeing provided Econoff January 8 with information on third-party attempts to acquire Boeing aircraft and spare parts over the past twelve months involving Iran and Libya. Eric Schwartz (please protect throughout),Deputy Director of Boeing Germany, said he had reported each of these inquiries to Boeing headquarters, which he said then informed proper USG agencies. Boeing also provided a letter (Note: Text of English translation provided para 7. End Note.),illustrating attempts by companies to circumvent embargo regulations and purchase Boeing aircraft. -------------- Requests related to Iran -------------- ¶2. (C) In January 2006 an alleged German citizen from Iran contacted Boeing's Germany office, asking about the possibility for a group of investors to start a company in Switzerland with the intent of buying or leasing aircraft destined to operate out of Iran. Schwartz said the investors group was interested in 300 aircraft. Boeing informed the party it could not discuss this issue due to U.S. government export restrictions. Schwartz did not have any contact information for the investor group. ¶3. (C) On June 7, 2006 Schwartz received an e-mail from Ramtin Rezanezhad, who claimed to be an Iranian-German consultant and advises German companies in Iran and Iranian companies in Germany. Rezanezhad said he received an MBA from the University of Essen in Germany and is currently working on his PhD. (Note: An embassy translation of his e-mail and his contact information are included in para 7. End Note.) Rezanezhad had stated in a prior phone call that he was reacting to the news reports of the U.S. considering offering aircraft sales/support as part of the nuclear research negotiations. ¶4. (C) Christian Schuchert, Director for International Business Strategy at Boeing's Germany office, received a phone call from a German individual who wanted to explore the opportunities of spare part sales to Iran. According to Schwartz, the individual contacted Boeing in mid to late 2006, when the U.S. expressed willingness to review some export restrictions to Iran if it gave up its military ;nuclear program. Schuchert told him until there was a formal decision by the USG changing the laws/regulations, Boeing is bound to the current rules. Schuchert did not retain the contact name or other information. -------------- Request Related to Libya -------------- ¶5. (C) During July and August 2006, Boeing received multiple requests from a German firm, Profit Systemhaus GmbH, that was looking for Boeing support to travel to Libya and assess Libyan commercial aircraft assets for replacement and repair. They reported having "close contacts" with the Libyan government and that the head of the company was a "personal friend of Qaddafi." According to this individual, Qaddafi requested Profit Systemhaus to lead this activity. Boeing referred the company to its sales group in Seattle, but, according to Schwartz, Boeing declined to support this company, as it had received export approval for 3 specific airlines in Libya, with which it was already working directly. -------------- Other Requests -------------- ¶6. (C) Boeing has received other requests from third party entities, Schwartz reports, but none related to countries subject to export controls. On August 1, 2006 a German firm, Pac-trade GmbH, contacted Boeing about availability of used 747s (450 passenger) built after 1990, for Iraq. Schwartz said since there are no export restrictions for selling aircraft to Iraq, Boeing provided a list of 15 747 aircraft available on the open market. -------------- -------------- June 2006 Letter Concerning Iranian Interest in Boeing -------------- -------------- ¶7. (C) The following is an informal embassy translation of a letter entitled "Business Contact to Iranian Aircraft and BERLIN 00000073 002 OF 002 Airline Industries," which was provided to Boeing June 7, ¶2006. Dear Ms. Bahr, As a self-employed German-Iranian businessman (MBA from University of Essen) I can offer intermediary services for German and Iranian firms, which are interested in establishing businesses in these countries or expanding current operations. I have a command of the German and Persian languages and know the cultures and business practices of both countries very well. Clarification of legal questions is also an important part of the trade relationship for which cooperation with a reputable law firm can be arranged. I have very good contacts to the Iranian aerospace industry and to the Iranian commercial airline companies and know a government advisor in this sector. With these contacts I can more efficiently conduct international business deals. I would very much appreciate an opportunity to speak with you. My services are as follows: - Intercultural consulting and foreign trade consulting between Germany and Iran. - Preparation and support of German business trips to Iran and also Iranian business trips to Germany - Legal assistance for Germany companies in Iran - Finding the best customers for your company - Examination of legal questions in Iran - Act as your representative in Iran - Initiating contact to Iranian and German business partners - Market analysis for Iran and Germany - Establishing an effective German-Iranian network - Selecting and rating potential businesses, business partners, agencies, and associations - Sales of products and services on a provisional basis - Organization of representatives at local of business - Preparation of joint ventures Enclosed please find copies of certificates for the Federation of German Industry, Iran Chamber of Commerce and Industries, my MBA diploma, and advanced training certificate. Best Regards, Ramtin Rezanezhad Aussenhandelsberatung Deutschland - Iran Dipl.-Kfm. Ramtin Rezanezhad Meistersingerstr. 48 / d-512 45307 Essen Germany Tel.: 49 (0)201 8524774 Mobil: 49 (0)174 4170077 Email: rrezanezhad@yahoo.de End text of Informal Embassy Translation. TIMKEN JR