PORTUGAL RESPONSE ON IAEA DEMARCHE

C O N F I D E N T I A L LISBON 002601 SIPDIS STATE DEPT FOR ISN/RA: R.NEPHEW AND J.DANIEL; AND IO/T: H.VONBEHREN E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/19/2018 TAGS: IAEA PARM MNUC PO SUBJECT: PORTUGAL RESPONSE ON IAEA DEMARCHE REF: STATE 99745 Classified By: POL/ECON COUNSELOR RICHARD REITER FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AN D (D) ¶1. (C) DCM and Pol/Econ Counselor delivered reftel demarche to Portuguese MFA diplomatic advisor Francisco Ribeiro Menezes on September 19. After MFA consultation Minister Amado's Diplomatic Advisor Paulo Lourenoo today called the DCM and said "We are not happy with the candidacy of Iran and Syria. We will not campaign against Syria's candidacy but would join with others to fight Iran's." On the GOP's position on Afghanistan's candidacy, he said the GOP is "not very comfortable with Afghanistan as a Board member, but would not block it." He said that Portugal would accept the consensus on a different candidate from those three should such a candidate emerge. ¶2. (C) On September 19 Menezes noted that on the separate topic of Arab Leagues proposals to raise Israel and Iran issues at the upcoming IAEA meetings, Portugal will oppose and remind the sponsors that political subjects are best raised at the UN, leaving the IAEA to deal with substantive issues. ¶3. (C) Comment: There are no surprises in the Portuguese response, but it is a bit disappointing that actively seeking to deny Syria a seat is a step too far for them. End comment. STEPHENSON