DEMARCHES DELIVERED: KENYA PREOCCUPIED WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 004758 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/15/2017 TAGS: KNNP MUNC IR PARM KE SUBJECT: DEMARCHES DELIVERED: KENYA PREOCCUPIED WITH NATIONAL ELECTIONS AND NOT FOCUSED ON IRAN NIE REF: A. STATE 162558 ¶B. STATE 165967 Classified By: Deputy Political Counselor Kevin Green for reasons 1.4(B ) and (D) ¶1. (C) Our oral presentation of the talking points included in both reftels, and delivery of non-papers explaining the same, did not yield any surprises -- the GOK is far too preoccupied with the upcoming December 27 national elections to be focused in any meaningful way on the Iran National Intelligence Estimate. Ambassador Binsai Chepsongol, Director of the Americas Division within the MFA, did state that "all countries would be more comfortable if the USG would begin direct talks with Iran." Otherwise, the GOK had no substantive comment, adding only that it would consider the matter. ¶2. (C) Should Kenya need to be re-engaged on this issue, the new government will almost certainly be in office by early January 2008. RANNEBERGER