IRANIAN PARTICIPATION IN DEFENSE-RELATED EVENTS

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 001282 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, ISN, EUR, SCA ISN CATR FOR LOU GANEM, MEG MITCHELL NSC FOR E.PHU E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/30/2018 TAGS: PREL PARM PGOV ID IR SUBJECT: IRANIAN PARTICIPATION IN DEFENSE-RELATED EVENTS REF: A. STATE 67212 ¶B. 07 JAKARTA 3063 Classified By: Pol/C Joseph Legend Novak, reasons 1.4(b+d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: During a recent visit to Jakarta, Acting A/S for International Security and Nonproliferation McNerney reviewed points related to Iranian participation in defense-related events, including international defense expositions. McNerney urged Indonesia to work to exclude Iran from such events. GOI contact--reiterating that Indonesia had no trade in weapons with Iran--said he will note U.S. points to key Indonesian government offices. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) On June 26, during a visit to Jakarta (see septel), ISN Acting Assistant Secretary McNerney reviewed Ref A points with Department of Foreign Affairs (DEPLU) Director for International Security and Disarmament Desra Percaya. She stressed the importance of excluding Iranian entities from participation in defense-related events such as international defense expositions. Iran could use its participation at such events to purchase or otherwise acquire weapons. ¶3. (C) The Acting A/S noted that Iranian participation in such events is a potential violation of UNSCR 1747. Retransfer of weapons to insurgents and terrorists is a serious threat and there is firm evidence linking Iran to such efforts. Iran must not be given opportunities to defy the UN Security Council by participating in arms shows, she concluded. (Note: Per Ref A, Indonesia will host an international defense exposition in November 2008. The event will be held in Jakarta and is called "the Third Indonesian Official Tri-Services Defense Event." An Iranian entity is reportedly on the list of possible exhibitors.) ¶4. (C) Percaya acknowledged U.S. concerns and said he would communicate them to appropriate Indonesian government offices. He reiterated previous GOI assurances to the U.S. that Indonesia had no weapons trade with Iran. ¶5. (U) Acting A/S McNerney approved this message in substance. HUME