FINLAND: IRAN'S CLANDESTINE ENRICHMENT FACILITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L HELSINKI 000374 SIPDIS DEPT FOR ISN/RA/RNEPHEW E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/08/2019 TAGS: PARM KNNP MNUC IR FI PHUM SUBJECT: FINLAND: IRAN'S CLANDESTINE ENRICHMENT FACILITY REF: A. STATE 100153 ¶B. STATE 103218 Classified By: DCM Michael A. Butler for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C/REL FRANCE/UK) On October 8 DCM delivered REFTEL points to MFA Political Director Teemu Tanner, accompanied by French DCM Frederic Joureau and British DCM Philip Malone. Joureau and Malone reinforced DCM's points: Joureau raised specific concerns about the clandestine uranium enrichment facility located near Qom, in particular by citing the need to maintain pressure on Iran regarding an IAEA inspection; Malone welcomed the talks as a good first step but emphasized the importance of additional confidence-building measures from the Iranian side. ¶2. (C/REL FRANCE/UK) Tanner expressed appreciation for the three governments' willingness to share information about the talks, and welcomed the Administration,s direct engagement with Iran. He pointed out that the Finnish government (GoF) had long supported the P5 1 process, and stated that the GoF's "unwavering support" continues. Tanner said the Finns know full well that the only measure of success will be &concrete results8 and that the international community must see such results by the end of the year. He agreed that the international community must consider sanctions if the current dialogue does not result in concrete Iranian actions. The GoF supports the EU's decision to examine possible additional sanctions. It prefers sanctions via the UN Security Council, but is fully prepared to consider "autonomous sanctions" from the EU and US, with as wide support as possible. Tanner also expressed interest in the points the Iranians raised, as well as the level of support and engagement exhibited by the Russian and Chinese participants. ¶3. (C/REL FRANCE/UK) In addressing Finland's support for efforts to press Iran to keep to commitments made at Geneva, Tanner said that the GoF presses Iran on nonproliferation and human rights matters at every opportunity (the most recent being a bilateral meeting between Foreign Ministers last month on the margins of UNGA). Tanner promised to discuss with Foreign Minister Stubb the possibility of a public statement pressing Iran to keep to its commitments and supporting the dual track strategy. (NOTE: Post coordinated this message with British and French DCMs. END NOTE.) ORECK