SUPPORTING ARGENTINA'S REQUEST FOR INTERPOL

C O N F I D E N T I A L DOHA 001046 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/04/2037 TAGS: PREL KJUS PTER ASEC PGOV IR QA SUBJECT: SUPPORTING ARGENTINA'S REQUEST FOR INTERPOL APPROVAL OF RED NOTICES AGAINST IRANIAN OFFICIALS REF: SECSTATE 147320 Classified By: CDA Michael Ratney; E.O. 12958; Reason 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Poloff approached the MFA International Organizations, Conferences and Treaties Department October 28 regarding Government of Qatar (GOQ) participation in the November 5-8 INTERPOL General Assembly in Marrakech, Morocco and inquired about GOQ thinking regarding Argentina Red Notices (reftel). During a November 4 follow-up meeting, MFA International Organizations Counselor Mohammed Al-Dohaimi stated that MFA would not be sending a delegation, but that a delegation from the Ministry of Interior (MOI) would represent Qatar. Asked how Qatar intended to vote on the issue, he said MFA was unaware of any instructions MOI may have received. As of early November, however, the MFA Legal Department had not coordinated with MOI regarding the Argentine Red Notice issue, which suggested that MOI did not have clear instructions. ¶2. (C) Al-Dohaimi opined to Poloff that Qatar would probably abstain from voting on this controversial issue, especially as it involves Iran. Ultimately, however, MFA could provide no further insights on how MOI would vote on the matter. ¶3. (C) Comment: We understand that the vote in Morocco will be taken by secret ballot. Given GOQ sensitivity on Iranian issues, and this subject in general, it is doubtful the Qataris will reveal how they intend to vote. RATNEY