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