NORWEGIAN REACTION TO IRAN ENRICHMENT FACILITY NEWS

C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000598 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/29/2019 TAGS: IR KNNP MNUC PARM SUBJECT: NORWEGIAN REACTION TO IRAN ENRICHMENT FACILITY NEWS REF: STATE 100153 Classified By: Acting DCM Cherrie Daniels for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Poloff delivered points in reftel demarche to Mai Tonheim, Iran Desk Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA),on the afternoon of September 25 upon receipt of reftel. Tonheim said that the MFA would have to "digest" the information contained in the demarche, but said that the Norwegian government continues to strongly prefer - and will work toward - a peaceful solution to the issue. ¶2. (U) Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, speaking in Washington, made the following comments which were posted on the MFA's official website, also on September 25. Begin text of FM Stoere's public comments: "The latest reports that Iran has built a new enrichment plant give cause for grave concern. This is incompatible with Security Council requirements, and shows clearly that Iran has not laid all its cards on the table. This latest turn of events also shows how crucial it is that Iran show full transparency regarding its nuclear facilities and allow the IAEA full access. Otherwise it will be impossible for Iran to gain international confidence, which is also necessary for the country to exercise its right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, which we have never contested. "Yesterday the UN Security Council adopted a historic resolution on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. The uncertainty surrounding Iran's intentions could, unfortunately, complicate the efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons. This is extremely regrettable. "Our aim is to find a diplomatic solution. It is essential that the international community is united in putting political pressure on Iran." End text of FM Stoere's public comments. HEG