DEMARCHE ON ARRESTED IRANIAN-AMERICAN HALEH

UNCLAS TOKYO 002245 SIPDIS SIPDIS ABU DHABI FOR IRAN RPO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM CASC KDEM IR JA SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON ARRESTED IRANIAN-AMERICAN HALEH ESFANDIARI REF: STATE 68161 ¶1. (SBU) Embassy Tokyo political officer May 18 delivered reftel background points to officials at MOFA's First North American Division and Second Middle East Division, and requested Japan to engage with Iranian officials to urge the prompt release of Dr. Haleh Esfandiari. In addition, political officer confirmed that the Department endorses former Deputy Secretary Talbott's interventions with Prime Minister Abe and other Japanese officials on this subject. ¶2. (SBU) Mr. Shogo Yoshitake of the First North American Division replied the background information would be included in PM Abe's briefing materials for his meeting later May 18 with former Deputy Secretary Talbott. Motosada Matano, Principal Deputy Director of the Second Middle East Division, was already aware of this case when contacted by political officer and said MOFA is formulating an approach to Iran on Dr. Esfandiari's behalf. SCHIEFFER