CZECHS SKEPTICAL ABOUT MISSILE DEFENSE VISIT TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000674 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/10/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV MASS MARR EZ IR SUBJECT: CZECHS SKEPTICAL ABOUT MISSILE DEFENSE VISIT TO IRAN, MENTION OTHER PROBLEMS REF: STATE 79840 Classified By: Acting DCM Michael Dodman for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Acting DCM delivered reftel demarche to MFA Political Director Martin Povejsil on June 11. Povejsil and MOD representatives indicated they share the U.S. view that Tehran's invitation for a Czech missile defense visit to Iran is not genuine. Povejsil said the Czechs have put a moratorium on any possible missile defense-related trip to Iran. ¶2. (C) Povejsil also explained that Deputy Foreign Minister Helena Bambasova is planning a visit to Tehran for consultations in late June. She is encountering heavier-than-usual obstacles from Tehran, which Povejsil attributed to Iranian anger at the fact that Prince Reza Pahlavi attended the June 6 "Democracy and Security" Conference at the Czech MFA (Note: This gathering was addressed by President Bush. End note). Povejsil said if Bambasova does manage to successfully visit Tehran then the Czechs will discuss next steps for Czech interactions with Tehran upon her return. GRABER