SHIELD S19-09: IRAN SEEKS CHEMICAL WEAPONS

S E C R E T ANKARA 001798

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR ISN, EUR/SE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/03/2034
TAGS: PARM PREL ETTC IR TU
SUBJECT: SHIELD S19-09: IRAN SEEKS CHEMICAL WEAPONS
PRECURSOR FROM TURKISH FIRM

REF: SECSTATE 123108

Classified By: Acting Pol-Mil Counselor Kami Witmer, Reasons 1.4 (b and
d)


1. (S) We delivered reftel information to MFA Acting
Department Head for Nonproliferation and Disarmament Murat
Sogangoz on December 2. We highlighted discussions about
Raja Shimi's role in Iran's chemical weapons program in the
Australia Group (AG),noted our reporting requirements under
the Iran, North Korea and Syria Nonproliferation Act for
transfers of items of proliferation concern to these
countries, and urged the GoT to take all necessary action to
prevent the transfer of the chemical weapons precursor
dimethylamine (DMA) from the Turkish firm Ak Kim Kimya to
Raja Shimi. Sogangoz said he was familiar with the AG
discussions regarding the Iranian entity and said he will
relay reftel information to his superiors and to other
relevant agencies.


2. (S) We met on December 15 with MFA Nonproliferation and
Disarmament Department Head Serhan Yigit to follow up on the
initial demarche. Yigit, who had participated in the
Australia Group discussions related to Raja Shimi, said the
MFA had checked with relevant authorities about this possible
transaction and confirmed that, as of December 15, the GoT
had not received an application to export DMA to Iran. Yigit
said that if the GoT were to receive such a request, he would
strongly recommend against approving it given the nature of
the substance and concerns about Raja Shimi's linkage with
Iran's chemical weapons program. He agreed to inform Post if
the GoT receives such a request.
JEFFREY

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