DENMARK: LEVERAGING FATF STATEMENT ON IRAN INTO

S E C R E T COPENHAGEN 000595 SIPDIS FOR ISN-JENNIFER CHALMERS, T, TREASURY, NEA, INR, EEB, S/CT, AND INL. E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2018 TAGS: KNNP PARM PREL EFIN DA SUBJECT: DENMARK: LEVERAGING FATF STATEMENT ON IRAN INTO NATIONAL ACTIONS REF: SECSTATE 115523 Classified By: Political/Economic Counselor William Mozdzierz. Reason: 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S) We discussed reftel points with Danish Government officials on November 4 and November 12, stressing the importance that Denmark adopt at least one of the preventive measures set forth in reftel to address risks posed by Iran. According to Nikolaj Harris, Head of Section of the Danish Foreign Ministry's Security Policy office and Denmark's interagency coordinator for implementation of all Iran-related economic sanctions, the Danish Government has already adopted reftel Measure G by providing internet warnings to businesses with significant business ties to Iran that their transactions have a heightened risk of money laundering or terrorist financing. ¶2. (S) Regarding possible adoption of other preventive measures, Harris told us November 12 that Denmark prefers to follow the EU consensus and preferably a consensus led by France, the UK, and Germany. To this end, Denmark and other EU nations are currently discussing next steps on Iran sanctions after the EU GAERC's November 10 approval of legislation to implement UNSCR 1803 (Harris noted that the approved legislation is even tougher on Iran than mandated by UNSCR 1803). Harris said such discussions are in an early stage, adding that Denmark advocates a tough EU stance and will therefore consider raising EU adoption of at least some reftel measures in the discussions. We will report any further developments. CAIN