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