Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08DJIBOUTI999
2008-12-14 09:42:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Djibouti
Cable title:
DJIBOUTI: DEMARCHE ON IRAN DEFENSE COOPERATION
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHDJ #0999 3490942 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 140942Z DEC 08 FM AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9808
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).
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
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