GOI'S RELEASE OF IRANIAN-ORIGIN TACTICAL VEHICLES

S E C R E T STATE 052512 E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/21/2034 TAGS: EUR ISN NEA SUBJECT: GOI'S RELEASE OF IRANIAN-ORIGIN TACTICAL VEHICLES REF: A. ROME 529 ¶B. STATE 45230 ¶C. ZARZECKI-WASLEY E-MAILS 5/14/2009 Classified By: ISN A A/S C.S. ELIOT KANG, REASONS 1.4 (B),(C),AND (D) ¶1. (S/NF) SUMMARY: The USG received information on 18 May that the GOI had released a cargo of Iranian-origin tactical vehicles, destined for Syria, that Italian customs officials had seized in 2006. The vehicles were suspected of being part of a ground-based electronic warfare system. When approached by the USG earlier this month, Italian officials confirmed their intent to release the shipment, but told EMBOFFS in Rome that the shipment would continue to be detained pending further investigation (REF B). However, the vehicles were loaded aboard the Panamanian-flagged vessel M/V ADELE, at Gioia Tauro, Italy. The vessel has already departed and arrived at Latakia, Syria. ¶2. (S/REL ITALY) ACTION REQUEST/OBJECTIVES: Post is instructed to approach appropriate Italian officials regarding the release of this cargo. In doing so, post should pursue the following objectives: -- Ask Italian officials for their rationale in releasing the shipment, to include information indicating whether or not these vehicles would have had any military application. -- Reiterate our concern that these vehicles were suspected of being part of a ground-based electronic warfare system. If the vehicles were designed or modified to carry electronic warfare equipment, their transfer would be prohibited under paragraph 5 of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1747. -- Remind Italian officials that now is not the time for business as usual with Iran. Post may draw from objectives and talking points/non-paper below, as appropriate. ¶3. (S/REL ITALY) Begin talking points/non-paper: -- We would like to follow-up on the issue of the Iranian-origin tactical vehicles being shipped to Syria, which the government of Italy originally detained in 2006. -- Our information indicates that the vehicles were loaded into three 40-foot containers and loaded aboard the MSC ADELE, which has probably already reached its destination of Latakia, Syria. -- As we stated previously, we believed this shipment could possibly be part of a ground-based electronic warfare system. If the vehicles were designed or modified to carry electronic warfare equipment, their transfer would constitute a violation of UNSCR 1747, which prohibits Iran from transferring arms and related materiel. -- We continue to have questions regarding this shipment, and would welcome any information regarding your decision to release this cargo. END POINTS. ¶4. (U) REPORTING REQUIREMENT: Please report results of this effort within five business days of receipt of this cable. ¶5. (U) POINT OF CONTACT: POC for follow-up and additional information is Mark Felipe, ISN/CPI, 202-647-5376, felipem2@state.sgov.gov. ¶6. (U) Department thanks post for its assistance. Please slug all responses for EUR, ISN, NEA, and T. CLINTON