UNSC IRAN SANCTIONS: BUSINESS AS USUAL IN NICARAGUA

S E C R E T MANAGUA 001817 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR S/CT, IO/T, ISN/RA SOUTHCOM FOR POLAD E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2017 TAGS: PARM PREL KNNP IR NU SUBJECT: UNSC IRAN SANCTIONS: BUSINESS AS USUAL IN NICARAGUA REF: SECSTATE 101574 Classified By: Ambassador Paul Trivelli, reasons 1.4 (B) and (D) ¶1. (S) On July 26, per reftel instructions we met with Foreign Ministry Director General for the Americas Orlando Gomez and urged that Nicaragua not continue business as usual with Iran. We also highlighted Nicaragua's requirements under UNSCRs 1737 and 1747, especially the prohibitions under ¶1747. ¶2. (S) Gomez, a Sandinista appointee, in his current position since January 2007, replied that Nicaragua has a long history of good relations with Iran that long predate the current "U.S. preoccupation" with Iran. He also noted that Nicaragua is expecting a high-level Iranian delegation to visit the country, beginning July 31. (Note: Iranian Minister of Energy, Hamid Chitchian, will visit Nicaragua from July 31 through August 5. End note.) This delegation, Gomez argued, would focus on projects to assist Nicaragua in electrical power generation, to build a manufacturing facility for autobuses, and to promote agricultural sector development. ¶3. (S) We rejoined that Iran's continued obstructionism in the face of international pressure and outstanding issues with the IAEA were not simply a "U.S. preoccupation" but rather a concern shared by all nations. Gomez then attempted to dispel our concerns with an assurance that, when Nicaragua deals with Iran in the future, it would closely bear in mind the issues that we raised concerning the UNSCR resolutions. He added that, in his opinion, patience and continued dialogue with Iran would produce a diplomatic settlement. ¶4. (S) Comment: The Ortega government has sought out friendship with Iran, and, despite assurances that Nicaragua will observe its international obligations under relevant UNSCR resolutions, we have no expectations that Nicaragua will change its current course despite our continued urgings. For now, in Nicaragua, it is business as usual with Iran. TRIVELLI