IAEA/IRAN: ALGERIA WANTS TO AVOID THREATS

C O N F I D E N T I A L ALGIERS 000660 SIPDIS UNVIE PASS TO RNEPHEW AND HVBEHREN E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2018 TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM IAEA IR AG SUBJECT: IAEA/IRAN: ALGERIA WANTS TO AVOID THREATS REF: A. SECSTATE 57726 ¶B. 2007 ALGIERS 1684 Classified By: Ambassador Robert Ford, reason 1.4 (d) ¶1. (SBU) On June 4, we delivered demarche (ref A) to Rabah Fasih, Deputy Director for disarmament issues at the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). We had also previously delivered the demarche on June 2 to the North American desk officer, and sent a French version of the non-paper to Mr. Fasih's office via fax on June 3. ¶2. (C) Fasih reiterated the position that Algeria does not believe Iran can be forced into greater compliance with IAEA and international standards regarding its nuclear program (ref B). He said Algeria maintains its belief that Iran has made progress toward meeting its non-proliferation obligations, and that Algeria always encourages Iran to continue such efforts, with a stress on the word "continue" rather than "commence," particularly for the sake of transparency of its programs and intentions. He said Algeria believes that only diplomacy and dialogue, without threats, will encourage any sense of greater cooperation from Iran, and this must be considered a long-term process. ¶3. (C) Fasih also said that Algeria enjoys working with the international community on these issues, but must point out that fairness on all sides, including regarding issues of Israel's compliance with the principles of nonproliferation, is necessary to maintain stability in the Middle East and to see continued progress with Iran at the IAEA. Fasih said he would forward the demarche and the non-paper to the MFA Secretary General and other relevant actors within the Ministry. He did not indicate whether Algeria would make any public statements consistent with the demarche. FORD