RESPONSE TO TURKISH MFA QUESTIONS ON IRAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 108128

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/19/2035
TAGS: ETTC GM IR MNUC PARM PREL TU KNNP
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO TURKISH MFA QUESTIONS ON IRAN

REF: ANKARA 1456

Classified By: Classified By: ISN A A/S Vann Van Diepen,
Reasons 1.4 (b),(c),and (d)


1. (U) This is a response to reftel A questions and an
action request regarding the Iran nuclear issue. Please see
para 4.


2. (C) OBJECTIVES:

-- To respond to Ankara's questions about whether or not the
P5 1 or the USG has made a definitive statement about what
conditions must be fulfilled for the international community
to allow Iran to enrich 'legally.'

-- To remind the GOT of Iran's international nuclear
obligations, including the UN Security Council obligation to
restore international confidence in the exclusively peaceful
nature of Iran's nuclear program.

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BACKGROUND
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3. (SBU) During 5 October meetings with Turkish MFA U/S
Feridun Sinirlioglu, clarification was requested regarding
the legal basis by which Iran's nuclear program would be
evaluated for its compliance with the international
community's will. In other words, the Turks would like to
know whether the UNSC, P5 1 or the USG have made a definitive
statement of what conditions must be fulfilled for the
international community to allow Iran to enrich 'legally.'


4. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST FOR ANKARA:

(SBU) Post is requested to deliver the following points in
response to the Turkish MFA's questions:

- Given Iran's track record, including recent revelations
regarding a previously covert uranium enrichment plant being
built near Qom, and continuing refusal to provide the IAEA
with requested information on issues such as development of a
nuclear warhead, the IAEA is still unable to confirm the
peaceful nature of Iran,s nuclear program. The burden of
proof is on Iran to demonstrate the peaceful nature of its
nuclear program and that its program is compliant with its
NPT and IAEA safeguards obligations.

- Suspension of Iran's enrichment program (as well as its
heavy water-related projects) would be a significant factor
in building international confidence about Iran's intentions.

- The UN Security Council has required, through 3 legally
binding resolutions, and repeatedly reaffirmed that Iran must
suspend its enrichment-related and reprocessing activities.
Furthermore, the P5 1's current proposal (still unanswered by
Iran) requires Iran to suspend enrichment.

- Our position on the need for Iran to suspend has not
changed.

- We continue to urge Iran to address these issues
constructively through the P5 1 process, and hope that you
continue to articulate that message in your dealings with
Iran.

- The United States and Turkey agree that Iran has the
right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. However, we must
continue to emphasize that with that right comes the
responsibility to reassure the international community that
Iran's nuclear program is exclusively peaceful. We urge the
GOT to use its relationship with Iran to emphasize this point
at every opportunity.


5. (U) REPORTING REQUIREMENT: Please report results of the
response delivery within five business days of receipt of
this cable.


6. (U) POINT OF CONTACT: Washington POC for additional
information and follow-up is Risa Mongiello (ISN/RA,
202-736-4730, MongielloRN@state.gov) and Judee Allen-Close
(ISN/RA, 202-8366, CloseJA@State.gov.


7. (U) Department thanks Post for its assistance. Please
slug all responses for EUR, ISN, NEA, IO, T, and VCI.
CLINTON