LATVIA UNAWARE OF IRANIAN NUCLEAR CONFERENCE;

C O N F I D E N T I A L RIGA 000652

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/23/2018
TAGS: PREL MNUC TRGY IR LG
SUBJECT: LATVIA UNAWARE OF IRANIAN NUCLEAR CONFERENCE;
LATVIAN AND IRANIAN FORMINS MEET

REF: SECSTATE 112229

Classified By: Ambassador Charles W. Larson Jr. for reason 1.4(b)


1. (C) POLOFF delivered reftel demarche to Judite Dobele, the
MFA's head of Middle East and Africa Division. Dobele stated
that they were not aware of the Iranian Nuclear Conference in
November but know that Iran has been active in their region
on energy issues. She stated that Iran had been trying to
attract as many potential contracting partners as possible,
and that Latvia's neighbor (note: not specifically stating
"Russia") had been "reacting". Dobele said that the GOL's
position on Iran has not changed, and that they still support
the sanctions and UN resolutions.


2. (C) Dobele stated that the GOL's Foreign Minister Maris
Riekstins had met with Iran's Foreign Minister during the
UNGA. Iran initially extended the meeting offer to the GOL
and they accepted, on the Latvian belief that diplomatic
dialogue with Iran should be open. Riekstins raised three
issues. The first was human rights and the importance of Iran
adhereing to their previous commitments to the EU. The second
was concerning Iran's nuclear program. Riekstins urged Iran
to cooperate with the IAEA and to respond to international
concerns surrounding the potential military nature of their
nuclear program. The third issue was Iran's policy with its
neighbors. Riekstins stressed the importance of building
civil society in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the enormous
detriment that the attempted destabilization of these
countries would cause.
LARSON