DEMARCHE DELIVERED- PREVENTING IRANIAN ACQUISITION

C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 001207 SIPDIS STATE FOR MEYERS IN ISN/CPI E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/25/2018 TAGS: KNNP TRGY PREL PARM MNUC AORC IAEA IT SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED- PREVENTING IRANIAN ACQUISITION OF ITALIAN CENTRIFUGE TECHNOLOGY REF: SECSTATE 99666 Classified By: William R. Meara for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) On 23 September, Post delivered reftel demarche on preventing Iranian acquisition of Italian technology for building centrifuges to Pierfrancesco De Cercio of the Italian MFA. De Cerchio was initially unaware of Iran's deceptive trade practices related to its nuclear program, particularly concerning the existence of European-based front companies. However, his interest was piqued and he took copious notes when informed of the two Italian companies - VEM SpA and Vetrorsina SpA - that possess filament winding technology sought by Iran for its centrifuge program. De Cerchio promised to engage company representatives and impress upon them the necessity of knowing every customer, and the danger posed by Iran. He noted, however, that it may take considerable time for the companies to verify the identity and/or ownership structure of all existing customers. De Cerchio promised to report back to Post once he had met with the relevant company officials. SPOGLI