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. -------------- BACKGROUND -------------- ¶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