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