(S) CANCELLATION OF DPRK-IRAN FLIGHT: THANKING

S E C R E T STATE 091989 E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/27/2033 TAGS: PARM PREL MNUC AF CH KG KZ TI TX UZ SUBJECT: (S) CANCELLATION OF DPRK-IRAN FLIGHT: THANKING CENTRAL ASIAN STATES FOR THEIR COOPERATION REF: A. STATE 79112 ¶B. ASTANA 1286 ¶C. ASTANA 1342 Classified By: ISN DAS Mary Alice Hayward, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (S//REL Recipients) SUMMARY: On 23 July, we informed Central Asian states of a possible flight of proliferation concern transiting Central Asian airspace en route from North Korea to Iran. Because similar flights in the past have transported personnel and items of proliferation concern, we sought assistance from countries along the flight path to condition granting of overflight clearance on requiring the aircraft to land for inspection. Our request was favorably received, with Kazakhstan in particular denying overflight permission for the flight. We understand that the flight in question has been canceled. ¶2. (S//REL Recipients) ACTION REQUEST: Posts are requested to approach appropriate-level host country officials and thank them for their cooperation regarding this flight. ¶3. (S//REL Recipients) OBJECTIVES: Post should seek to: -- Thank host government officials for their cooperation as PSI partners in preventing a flight of proliferation concern -- Encourage continued cooperation regarding such suspicious flights in the future. ¶4. (S//REL Recipients) TALKING POINTS/NON-PAPER: -- We would like to thank you for your cooperation regarding a recent Air Koryo flight of proliferation concern that was scheduled to transit your airspace. -- According to our information, thanks to your efforts the flight had to be canceled, and the shipment did not take place. -- We believe that your cooperation in this matter has led to a successful outcome. This is exactly the type of cooperation we seek to foster in accordance with the Proliferation Security Initiative. -- We would like to ask for your continued support regarding flights of this nature. -- We would also like to request any additional information regarding actions you may have taken concerning this flight, as well as your policy regarding the granting of overflight clearance for similar flights of proliferation concern. -- (FOR ASTANA ONLY) We will provide a response to your inquiry regarding how other countries in the region are dealing with such flights as soon as possible. END POINTS. ¶5. (U) Washington point of contact for follow-up is Mark Felipe, ISN/CPI, (202) 647-5376, felipem2@state.sgov.gov. ¶6. (U) Please report delivery of points and any immediate response by 8 August. ¶7. (U) Washington thanks posts for assistance. Please slug responses for ISN, NEA, SCA, and T. RICE NNNN End Cable Text