UAE-BASED FIRM'S EFFORTS TO SUPPLY CZECH-ORIGIN

S E C R E T STATE 032250 SIPDIS NOFORN C O R R E C T E D COPY CAPTION E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/28/2033 TAGS: PARM MTCRE PREL EZ IR AE SUBJECT: UAE-BASED FIRM'S EFFORTS TO SUPPLY CZECH-ORIGIN MTCR-CONTROLLED JET ENGINES TO IRAN'S UAV PROGRAM Classified By: ISN/MTR DIRECTOR PAM DURHAM REASONS 1.4 (B),(C) AND (D). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Embassy Prague, please see paragraph 4. ¶2. (S) Background: Between July 2007 and January 2008, the UAE-based aerospace firm Noor Aerospace Technologies was working to supply the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (HESA) with several types of jet engines, including Czech-origin model TJ100A engines, which are controlled by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and prohibited under UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1737 for transfer to Iran. HESA plans to use these engines in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs. Of further concern, Noor Aerospace Technologies LLC intends to falsify export licensing documents by labeling the engines as "pneumatic pumps," thus giving the appearance the end- user is not in Iran. ¶3. (S) Objective: Given that these engines are MTCR- controlled and prohibited by UNSCR 1737 for transfer to Iran, we want to alert Czech authorities to this activity and request that they take all appropriate measures to prevent the transfer of these engines to the UAE for onward shipment to Iran. ¶4. (S//NF) Action Request: Request Embassy Prague approach appropriate Czech authorities to deliver talking points/non-paper in paragraph 5 below and report response. Talking points also may be provided as a non-paper. (Note: Embassy Prague is requested to coordinate this approach with GRPO prior to delivery. End Note.) ¶5. (S) Begin talking points/non-paper: (SECRET REL CZECH REPUBLIC) -- In the spirit of our close nonproliferation cooperation, we would like to raise with you a matter of proliferation concern and request your assistance in investigating this activity. -- The U.S. has information that between July 2007 and January 2008, the UAE-based aerospace firm Noor Aerospace Technologies, was working to supply the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (HESA) with several types of jet engines, and that HESA plans to use these engines in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) applications. -- We believe the specific engines being sought by Noor Aerospace Technologies for HESA are model TJ100A engines produced by the Czech firm PBS Velka Bites A.S. -- Our information indicates that these TJ100A engines are controlled by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). As such, these engines are also prohibited for transfer to Iran by paragraph 3 (c) of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1737. -- We further understand that to facilitate this transaction, Noor Aerospace Technologies LLC intends to falsify export licensing documents by labeling the engines as "pneumatic pumps" and to make it appear that the end-user for these goods is not in Iran, but in another country in the region such as Bahrain, Qatar, or Kuwait. -- We ask that you use this information to immediately investigate this activity and take all appropriate measures to prevent the transfer of these engines to Iran in violation of your export control laws and UNSCR 1737 obligations. -- We look forward to future cooperation on nonproliferation issues and to hearing the results of your inquires into this matter at the earliest possible time. End talking points/non-paper ¶6. (U) Washington POC is ISN/MTR April Jones (Phone: 202-647-3176). Please slug any reporting on this issue for ISN/MTR and EUR/NCE. ¶7. (U) A word version file of this document will be posted at www.state.sgov.gov/demarche. RICE NNNN End Cable Text