TURKEY/IRAN: TURKEY OFFERS TO HOST MEETING BETWEEN

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 000942 SIPDIS EUR/SE, NEA/IR E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV IR RS TU SUBJECT: TURKEY/IRAN: TURKEY OFFERS TO HOST MEETING BETWEEN IRAN AND P5+1 REP REF: ANKARA 0939 Classified By: Pol-Mil Counselor Carl Siebentritt, Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D) ¶1. (C) During May 12 bilateral consultations with Turkey that focused on CFE issues (ref) Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Kislyak made the following points regarding Iran, according to MFA Arms Control Deputy Director General Ahmet Muhtar Gun: -- No one has full intelligence on Iranian intentions, but it is clear that enrichment is not economical, and Iran does not need it; -- Russia does not believe Iran's ballistic missile program poses an imminent threat; -- Iran is having technical difficulties with centrifuges. Iran is only able to operate about one third of their centrifuges, and are experiencing problems with the new generation devices. -- Russia is opposed to a nuclear-armed Iran, fearing this would have a "spillover effect" that could trigger a regional arms race; -- Iran is working with the IAEA, but Tehran must ensure full cooperation to restore international confidence. -- Moscow does not want to deny Iran its rights, but with rights come obligations; -- Russia supports IAEA and international efforts to address the Iranian challenge; -- The "refreshed" package of incentives agreed to by P5 1 Foreign Ministers in London on May 2 will be shared soon with Iran. ¶2. (C) According to Gun, Turkish MFA Deputy Undersecretary Cevikoz (Kislyak's primary interlocutor) generally agreed with Kislyak's assessment on Iran. Noting Turkey's role as host to a Solana-Larijani meeting in April 2007, Cevikoz offered Turkey as a venue if a P5 1 representative is planning to meet with Iran's nuclear negotiator to present the "refreshed" incentives package. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Turk ey WILSON