PHILIPPINES STUDYING IAEA REPORTS ON IRAN AND SYRIA

UNCLAS MANILA 000436 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNNP PARM IAEA MNUC PREL PGOV TRGY IR SYR RP SUBJECT: PHILIPPINES STUDYING IAEA REPORTS ON IRAN AND SYRIA REF: STATE 16285 ¶1. (SBU) In a February 26 discussion with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Director Leah Ruiz of the Office of United Nations and Other International Organizations (UNIO), Post stressed reftel points and urged the Philippines to issue strong statements calling on Iran to implement its international nuclear obligations without delay and demanding that Syria cooperate with the IAEA's investigation. ¶2. (SBU) Director Ruiz said the Philippine government is studying Director General ElBaradei's latest report on Iran and Syria's nuclear programs. She assured Post that the Philippine government appreciates the gravity of the situation and will carefully consider the U.S. position in formulating its position in advance of next week's IAEA Board of Governors meeting. The Director was also receptive to the idea of voting to make the IAEA report on Syria public, but added that the Philippines has not made a final decision on that matter. ¶3. (SBU) Given the Philippine government's strong preference for achieving consensus in any international discussions, it is likely that it will take a wait-and-see approach at the Board of Governors meeting to determine the majority view before committing itself. The Philippine government will also probably try to avoid supporting any action that would risk alienating either Iran or Syria unless such action is the result of a clear consensus among the other board members that would provide political cover for the Philippines. KENNEY