SINGAPORE LIKE MINDED ON IRAN, BUT PREFERS TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L SINGAPORE 000952 SIPDIS EAP/MTS - M. COPPOLA, ISN/RA - R. NEPHEW E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/29/2019 TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM SN SUBJECT: SINGAPORE LIKE MINDED ON IRAN, BUT PREFERS TO ENGAGE QUIETLY REF: SECSTATE 100153 Classified By: CDA Daniel Shields for Reasons 1.4 (b and d). ¶1. (C) Summary: Singapore shares U.S. concerns over Iran's deceitful actions regarding its nuclear program, and will continue to engage Tehran quietly in efforts to persuade Iran to comply with its international obligations. Singapore believes U.S. engagement with Iran is the right approach, although it may take time before there are results. Russia and China can play key roles in adding to international pressure, according to MFA. End Summary. ¶2. (C) EP Counselor delivered reftel demarche detailing the evidence of Iran's secret enrichment facility near the city of Qom, Iran, to MFA International Organizations Deputy Director Chin Siew Fei in a September 29 meeting. EP Counselor delivered the demarche jointly with French Embassy and British High Commission officials, who had also received instructions and had suggested a joint approach to the GOS. EP Counselor stressed the significance of recent developments and the unity of U.S., UK and French positions and urged Singapore to give public support to efforts to persuade Iran to meet its international obligations. ¶3. (C) Chin replied that Singapore is concerned about Iran's actions and will continue to engage multilaterally in efforts to ensure that Iran complies with its international obligations. She said Singapore will consider the request for public support, but noted that Singapore prefers to engage with Iran quietly and bilaterally. ¶4. (C) Chin stressed that Singapore believes the U.S. Administration's willingness to engage in dialogue is the right approach, but it may take time before there are results. Iranian domestic political considerations would likely constrain Iran from making wholesale changes overnight. However, Singapore believes that even without an immediate positive response from Iran, the international community must maintain the momentum for dialogue, Chin said. ¶5. (C) Noting Singapore's willingness to address the issue, Chin highlighted Singapore's recent successful effort within the Non-Aligned Movement at the IAEA General Conference to derail Iran's attempt to table a resolution prohibiting attacks against any nuclear sites. "It was not easy for us," Chin said, given Singapore's limited size and influence. China and Russia will be key players in the effort to persuade Iran to meet its obligations, Chin said. Visit Embassy Singapore's Classified website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/singapore/ind ex.cfm SHIELDS