DJIBOUTI: DEMARCHE ON IRAN DEFENSE COOPERATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L DJIBOUTI 000999 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF, ISN, NEA, AND T E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/12/2018 TAGS: DJ IR PARM PREL SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI: DEMARCHE ON IRAN DEFENSE COOPERATION REF: STATE 129098 Classified By: Amb. J. Swan for reasons 1.4 (b)(d). ¶1. (C) On December 13, Ambassador delivered to Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Youssouf ref demarche urging the GODJ not to engage in defense cooperation with Iran. Youssouf listened attentively and took notes, including details of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and U.S. legislative provisions cited in the demarche. ¶2. (C) As a small country, Djibouti tries to maintain good relations with everyone, including Iran, Youssouf explained. The Iranians have provided loans for several public projects, including construction of the new parliament and a trade center. He acknowledged that Djiboutian Armed Forces Commander Ahmed Hussein Fathi had traveled to Iran in July, but said categorically that Djibouti has received no arms transfers from Iran or established any other defense cooperation arrangements with Tehran. ¶3. (C) Youssouf noted that Djibouti had recently changed its position in the UNGA's Third Committee from support to abstention on a "no-action" motion on Iranian human rights, and said that would also be its position in the full General Assembly. He cited this as a demonstration of Djibouti's concerns over Tehran's human rights record of the Tehran government, even as Djibouti seeks to maintain cordial relations with Iran. ¶4. (C) Comment: Youssouf clearly got the message. He appeared appropriately concerned that any GODJ military relationship with Iran could be a significant irritant in Djibouti's close and growing partnership with the USG on security and other issues. SWAN