Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BERLIN73
2007-01-12 08:55:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Berlin
Cable title:  

THIRD PARTY ATTEMPTS TO PURCHASE BOEING AIRCRAFT

Tags:  ETTC PREL EAIR IR GM 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO6446
PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHDIR RUEHIHL RUEHKUK
DE RUEHRL #0073/01 0120855
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 120855Z JAN 07
FM AMEMBASSY BERLIN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6660
INFO RUCNFRG/FRG COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUCNIRA/IRAN COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
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).

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