Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ASHGABAT1258
2008-09-23 12:27:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ashgabat
Cable title:
TURKMENISTAN: PAKISTANI DIPLOMAT SHARES HIS VIEWS
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C O N F I D E N T I A L ASHGABAT 001258
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN AND NEA/IR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/23/2018
TAGS: PREL PHUM IR PK TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: PAKISTANI DIPLOMAT SHARES HIS VIEWS
ON IRAN
Classified By: Classfied by Charge Sylvia Reed Curran, Reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASHGABAT 001258
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN AND NEA/IR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/23/2018
TAGS: PREL PHUM IR PK TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: PAKISTANI DIPLOMAT SHARES HIS VIEWS
ON IRAN
Classified By: Classfied by Charge Sylvia Reed Curran, Reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d)
1. (C) In a recent conversation with emboff, a senior
Pakistan Embassy diplomat described his country as having had
an "up and down" relationship with Iran for the last 20
years. He called Iranians "difficult people", and said
Pakistan's relations with them were at a low during the years
prior to 2001, when Pakistan supported the Taliban. More
recently, he said, Iran was more and more uncomfortable with
Pakistan's relationship with the U.S., and mentioned recent
reports of Iran's own support to the Taliban, calling it a
case of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." He said that
in addition to its Embassy in Teheran, Pakistan maintains
consulates in Zahedan, Bandar Abbas, and Mashad. The Consul
from Mashad, whose son is a university student in the United
States, reportedly visits Ashgabat from time to time.
2. (C) The diplomat said that Pakistan wants to maintain
cordial relations with Iran because of the large numbers of
Pakistani Shias who make pilgrimages to the Shia holy sites
there. Thousands visit the shrine of Imam Ali Reza in Mashad
and must seek Iranian visas. He said that he recently drove
to Mashad from Ashgabat for a visit and while there, learned
that there are approximately 10,000 Pakistani nationals
residing in the Mashad area alone. He said that they had all
traveled to the city at various times for the religious
pilgrimage, but stayed on and found jobs in Iran. Many had
married Iranian women and settled quasi-permanently in the
country.
3.. (C) COMMENT: Emboff's conversation was revealing of
Pakistani attitudes towards Iran. We will continue to pursue
other sources as we explore Iran's relations with its
neighbors in the region. END COMMENT.
CURRAN
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN AND NEA/IR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/23/2018
TAGS: PREL PHUM IR PK TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: PAKISTANI DIPLOMAT SHARES HIS VIEWS
ON IRAN
Classified By: Classfied by Charge Sylvia Reed Curran, Reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d)
1. (C) In a recent conversation with emboff, a senior
Pakistan Embassy diplomat described his country as having had
an "up and down" relationship with Iran for the last 20
years. He called Iranians "difficult people", and said
Pakistan's relations with them were at a low during the years
prior to 2001, when Pakistan supported the Taliban. More
recently, he said, Iran was more and more uncomfortable with
Pakistan's relationship with the U.S., and mentioned recent
reports of Iran's own support to the Taliban, calling it a
case of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." He said that
in addition to its Embassy in Teheran, Pakistan maintains
consulates in Zahedan, Bandar Abbas, and Mashad. The Consul
from Mashad, whose son is a university student in the United
States, reportedly visits Ashgabat from time to time.
2. (C) The diplomat said that Pakistan wants to maintain
cordial relations with Iran because of the large numbers of
Pakistani Shias who make pilgrimages to the Shia holy sites
there. Thousands visit the shrine of Imam Ali Reza in Mashad
and must seek Iranian visas. He said that he recently drove
to Mashad from Ashgabat for a visit and while there, learned
that there are approximately 10,000 Pakistani nationals
residing in the Mashad area alone. He said that they had all
traveled to the city at various times for the religious
pilgrimage, but stayed on and found jobs in Iran. Many had
married Iranian women and settled quasi-permanently in the
country.
3.. (C) COMMENT: Emboff's conversation was revealing of
Pakistani attitudes towards Iran. We will continue to pursue
other sources as we explore Iran's relations with its
neighbors in the region. END COMMENT.
CURRAN