Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07CAIRO174
2007-01-24 05:01:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Cairo
Cable title:
EGYPT ACCEPTS INVITATION TO VISIT IRAN'S NUCLEAR
how-toVZCZCXYZ0001 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHEG #0174 0240501 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 240501Z JAN 07 FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3293 INFO RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA 0090
C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 000174
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/22/2012
TAGS: PARM IAEA ENERG EG IR KNNP
SUBJECT: EGYPT ACCEPTS INVITATION TO VISIT IRAN'S NUCLEAR
SITES
REF: STATE 6433
Classified By: DCM Stuart Jones for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 000174
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/22/2012
TAGS: PARM IAEA ENERG EG IR KNNP
SUBJECT: EGYPT ACCEPTS INVITATION TO VISIT IRAN'S NUCLEAR
SITES
REF: STATE 6433
Classified By: DCM Stuart Jones for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (C) Poloff raised reftel concerns over Egypt's decision
to accept Iran's invitation to visit Iranian nuclear sites
with MFA's Director of Disarmament Dr. Hossam Aly on January
22. Dr. Aly said that Egypt is well aware of the various
ways in which Iran will seek to exploit the visit, but FM
Aboul Gheit nonetheless endorsed the visit after concluding
that Ambassador Ramzy could manage the risks. Aly said the
visit is important because it allows Egypt to remain involved
in the matter, which may have implications for other
countries' enrichment rights. Because Egypt does not have
normal bilateral relations with Iran, engagement in
multilateral fora is particularly important, Aly said. Aly
also said that given that Egypt was invited in its NAM
"troika" capacity, declining the invitation would open Egypt
to criticism within the NAM.
2. (C) Dr. Aly acknowledged the risk that Iran will seek to
portray Ambassador Ramzy's visit as an endorsement of Iran's
activities. To prevent such exploitation, Aboul Gheit
instructed Ambassador Ramzy not to sign a declaration at the
conclusion of the visit if it contains either political or
technical content. Ambassador Ramzy is only authorized to
sign a statement that outlines the chronology of events
during the visit and reiterates El Baradei's most recent
report to the UNSC on Iran's nuclear program. Dr. Aly
conceded, however, that Ramzy would face considerable
pressure to make a more conciliatory statement at the end of
the visit.
RICCIARDONE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/22/2012
TAGS: PARM IAEA ENERG EG IR KNNP
SUBJECT: EGYPT ACCEPTS INVITATION TO VISIT IRAN'S NUCLEAR
SITES
REF: STATE 6433
Classified By: DCM Stuart Jones for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (C) Poloff raised reftel concerns over Egypt's decision
to accept Iran's invitation to visit Iranian nuclear sites
with MFA's Director of Disarmament Dr. Hossam Aly on January
22. Dr. Aly said that Egypt is well aware of the various
ways in which Iran will seek to exploit the visit, but FM
Aboul Gheit nonetheless endorsed the visit after concluding
that Ambassador Ramzy could manage the risks. Aly said the
visit is important because it allows Egypt to remain involved
in the matter, which may have implications for other
countries' enrichment rights. Because Egypt does not have
normal bilateral relations with Iran, engagement in
multilateral fora is particularly important, Aly said. Aly
also said that given that Egypt was invited in its NAM
"troika" capacity, declining the invitation would open Egypt
to criticism within the NAM.
2. (C) Dr. Aly acknowledged the risk that Iran will seek to
portray Ambassador Ramzy's visit as an endorsement of Iran's
activities. To prevent such exploitation, Aboul Gheit
instructed Ambassador Ramzy not to sign a declaration at the
conclusion of the visit if it contains either political or
technical content. Ambassador Ramzy is only authorized to
sign a statement that outlines the chronology of events
during the visit and reiterates El Baradei's most recent
report to the UNSC on Iran's nuclear program. Dr. Aly
conceded, however, that Ramzy would face considerable
pressure to make a more conciliatory statement at the end of
the visit.
RICCIARDONE