Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ABUJA887
2009-05-21 17:43:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Abuja
Cable title:
NIGERIA: IRANIAN URANIUM DEMARCHE DELIVERED
how-toVZCZCXRO0807 PP RUEHPA DE RUEHUJA #0887 1411743 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 211743Z MAY 09 ZDK FM AMEMBASSY ABUJA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6072 INFO RUEHOS/AMCONSUL LAGOS PRIORITY 1351 RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD 0303 RUEHSA/AMEMBASSY PRETORIA 1907 RUEHYD/AMEMBASSY YAOUNDE 0856 RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC RUEKJCS/DIA WASHINGTON DC RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 000887
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/W, INR/AA
BAGHDAD FOR DMCCULLOUGH
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/21/2019
TAGS: PARM PREL PGOV NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: IRANIAN URANIUM DEMARCHE DELIVERED
REF: STATE 50613
Classified By: Political Counselor Walter N.S. Pflaumer for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 000887
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/W, INR/AA
BAGHDAD FOR DMCCULLOUGH
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/21/2019
TAGS: PARM PREL PGOV NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: IRANIAN URANIUM DEMARCHE DELIVERED
REF: STATE 50613
Classified By: Political Counselor Walter N.S. Pflaumer for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d)
1. (C) Polcouns and Poloff delivered reftel demarche to Maria
Laose, Director of the Second United Nations (UN) Division at
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 21. Laose formerly
worked for the Nigerian mission to the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna and is their point person for
matters relating to the IAEA, the Iranian nuclear program and
non-proliferation in general.
2. (C) Ms. Laose said that although Nigeria maintains trade
relations with Iran, this "does not include anything
nuclear." Laose did mention that Professor S. B. Elegba the
Director General of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority
(who has approval authority over all nuclear matters) had
told her that some unnamed entities had recently approached
him for certification of nuclear joint ventures, but that he
had not granted permission. According to Laose, Elegba has a
close relationship with the IAEA and its Director General
Mohamed ElBaradei. "Elegba is very strict. This would not
pass through him without his knowing the consequences." Laose
continued, "Be at ease... Nigeria is not interested in
getting involved with Iran on this." Laose agreed to keep an
open line of communication between the GON and U.S. Mission
on such a sensitive topic. Post will report any further
responses septel.
3. (C) COMMENT: The GON is clearly sensitive to any
perceived involvement with Iran on nuclear matters,
particularly after the kerfuffle caused on August 28, 2008
when, at the conclusion of a visit by a mid-level Iranian
trade delegation, the press falsely reported (perhaps with
Iranian encouragement) that Nigeria had signed a nuclear deal
with Iran. End comment.
SANDERS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/W, INR/AA
BAGHDAD FOR DMCCULLOUGH
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/21/2019
TAGS: PARM PREL PGOV NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: IRANIAN URANIUM DEMARCHE DELIVERED
REF: STATE 50613
Classified By: Political Counselor Walter N.S. Pflaumer for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d)
1. (C) Polcouns and Poloff delivered reftel demarche to Maria
Laose, Director of the Second United Nations (UN) Division at
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 21. Laose formerly
worked for the Nigerian mission to the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna and is their point person for
matters relating to the IAEA, the Iranian nuclear program and
non-proliferation in general.
2. (C) Ms. Laose said that although Nigeria maintains trade
relations with Iran, this "does not include anything
nuclear." Laose did mention that Professor S. B. Elegba the
Director General of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority
(who has approval authority over all nuclear matters) had
told her that some unnamed entities had recently approached
him for certification of nuclear joint ventures, but that he
had not granted permission. According to Laose, Elegba has a
close relationship with the IAEA and its Director General
Mohamed ElBaradei. "Elegba is very strict. This would not
pass through him without his knowing the consequences." Laose
continued, "Be at ease... Nigeria is not interested in
getting involved with Iran on this." Laose agreed to keep an
open line of communication between the GON and U.S. Mission
on such a sensitive topic. Post will report any further
responses septel.
3. (C) COMMENT: The GON is clearly sensitive to any
perceived involvement with Iran on nuclear matters,
particularly after the kerfuffle caused on August 28, 2008
when, at the conclusion of a visit by a mid-level Iranian
trade delegation, the press falsely reported (perhaps with
Iranian encouragement) that Nigeria had signed a nuclear deal
with Iran. End comment.
SANDERS