SRI LANKA AGREES WITH P5+1 ON IRAN BUT SHIES FROM

C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 000886 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/INSB E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/03/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL PREF PHUM PTER EAID MOPS CE SUBJECT: SRI LANKA AGREES WITH P5+1 ON IRAN BUT SHIES FROM UNGA STATEMENT REF: SECSTATE 95073 Classified By: POLITICAL CHIEF PAUL CARTER. REASONS: 1.4 (B, D) ¶1. Political Chief discussed reftel points on expanding the chorus on Iran with Sri Lankan MFA U.N. and Multilateral Affairs Director General (DG) Aruni Wijewardene. The DG agreed that Iran needed to be encouraged to cooperate, but that the GoSL took a "balanced position". She pointed out that Iran's nuclear program must be addressed in the IAEA and U.N. forums. The DG also emphasized that the GoSL's foreign policy took a strong position on non-proliferation and disarmament issues, and the GoSL actively pursued opportunities to participate in venues to combat non-proliferation of WMD. When pressed on Sri Lanka's addressing Iran's nuclear program issue at the on-going U.N. General Assembly (UNGA),DG noted that Sri Lanka was unlikely to speak on the subject of the P5 1 issue separately. At the UNGA, Sri Lanka would talk broadly about non-proliferation and disarmament issues and leave P5 1 issue under the IAEA umbrella. The DG agreed on the need for Iran to abide by the IAEA and U.N. resolutions. She emphasized the need to continue work with the U.S. on U.N. Non-Proliferation, WMD, and Maritime Security issues. BUTENIS