COMOROS AND IRAN: UN SANCTION BREAKING?

S E C R E T ANTANANARIVO 000150


DEPT FOR AF/E AND AF/FO, NEA, T, ISN/CPI MARK FELIPE AND
ISN/CATR MARGARET MITCHELL

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2019
TAGS: PARM PREL IR CN XA
SUBJECT: COMOROS AND IRAN: UN SANCTION BREAKING?

REF: A. A. ANTANANARIVO 138 B. 08 STATE 129098

B. C 08 ANTANANARIVO 759


Classified By: Classified by: Ambassador Niels Marquardt for reasons 1.4
b and d.


1. (C) Summary: In the aftermath of Iranian president
Ahmedinejad's February 25 visit to the Comores (ref a),the
French Ambassador in Moroni reported to Emboff that the GOC
entered into bilateral military agreements with the GOI that
may directly violate UNSCR and US laws (ref B). These
agreements if/if actually signed and implemented indicate a
disturbing increase in Iranian involvement there that could
place the Comoros in violation of UNSCRs. Emboff in Moroni
reports that the Iranian President's party in the Comoros
included members of the Iranian military; newspaper photos
had Iranian military officials in the background. Rumors and
reports around Moroni since the visit suggest the French
report is credible. We are seeking to verify with the GOC
and, if true, plan to protest. End Summary.


2. (C) The French Ambassador advised Embassy Comoros
officer that he understood that three bilateral military
agreements were reached between the GOI and GOC during the
visit: 1) to deliver logistics equipment and weapons for the
Comoran Army of National Development(AND),further details
unknown; 2) about 80 military personnel from Iran will come
to the Comoros in June to participate in National Day July 6,
train the AND, and also go to Anjouan, and 3) an agreement
for Iran to establish a Naval base in the Comoros.


3. (C) These three agreements may or may not be realized.
There have been bilateral agreements with Iran before -- if
the inoperable fishing boat in Moroni port is an example,
there may be little to worry about. Nonetheless, on the
basis of this report, Embassy Comoros officer again will
demarche the Minister of Foreign Affairs to reiterate points
raised with them in December (ref b). Ambasador will follow
up, if necessary, on his next visit to Moroni.


MARQUARDT