MEXICO ON GC VOTE ON MESA GROUP SEAT ON IAEA BOARD

C O N F I D E N T I A L MEXICO 002851 SIPDIS STATE FOR ISN/RA -- RICHARD NEPHEW AND JODY DANIEL AND IO/T -- HEATHER VON BEHREN E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2028 TAGS: IAEA PARM MNUC MX SUBJECT: MEXICO ON GC VOTE ON MESA GROUP SEAT ON IAEA BOARD OF GOVERNORS REF: STATE 99745 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Charles V. Barclay. Reason : 1.4 (b),(d). (C) Deputy PolCouns discussed reftel demarche 9/19 with Julian Juarez, the Deputy Director General of the Office of Peace and International Security in the Foreign Ministry's UN Office, stressing our opposition to Iran and Syria's bid for a seat on the IAEA's Board of Governors, our support for Afghanistan's bid, our support for Kazakhstan's bid to join the MESA Group, and our request that member states give strong statements drawing attention to concerns about the failure of Iran and Syria to comply fully with IAEA investigations. Juarez conveyed appreciation for our concerns relating to Iran and Syria but advised, as a policy, Mexico endorses the consensus candidate that emerges from regional groups. As far as he was aware, there was no precedent for such groups failing to present a consensus candidate. However, if that proved the case, he signaled Mexico would be prepared to consider Afghanistan's candidacy. In the past, Mexico has regularly supported the view that Iran should comply with IAEA requests. Visit Mexico City's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/mexicocity and the North American Partnership Blog at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap / GARZA