BRIEF CZECH FM MEETING WITH IRANIAN FM AT UNGA

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000635 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/28/2018 TAGS: PREL EZ IR SUBJECT: BRIEF CZECH FM MEETING WITH IRANIAN FM AT UNGA FOCUSES UNSUCCESSFULLY ON FORMAL RELATIONS Classified By: Political/Economic Counselor Charles O. Blaha, reasons 1 .4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) According to Czech MFA Security Policy Department Director Veronika Kuchynova-Smigolova, the September 24 meeting at UNGA between Czech FM Schwarzenberg and Iranian FM Mottaki focused only, and unsuccessfully, on the issue of formal bilateral diplomatic relations. Kuchynova-Smigolova, who did not attend the meeting but had received a readout, said missile defense, the Iranian nuclear program, Radio Free Europe broadcasts, and other issues were not discussed. ¶2. (C) Kuchynova-Smigolova said the two sides previously agreed to upgrade relations to ambassadorial level, but had yet to agree on candidates to fill the post. At the meeting, FM Schwarzenberg put forward the name of the proposed Czech ambassador (NFI) and asked if the Iranians would grant agrement. The Iranians said no, according to Kuchynova-Smigolova, because the Czech candidate had served at the UN and this is a "red line" for Iran. The Czechs also did not agree to the Iranian candidate. She characterized the meeting as brief and added "it did not go too well." Graber