KUDOS FOR IRANIAN ELECTION REPORTING

UNCLAS STATE 063812 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL TX IR SUBJECT: KUDOS FOR IRANIAN ELECTION REPORTING REF: A. ASHGABAT687 ¶B. ASHGABAT733 FROM NEA ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY JEFFREY FELTMAN FOR CHARGE MILES I commend Embassy Ashgabat and in particular Iran Watcher Inger Tangborn, for its excellent reporting on the Iranian elections. Embassy insights were extremely useful for their timeliness and for the helpful view from "man on the street" Iranians. Your second cable in particular identified the interesting trend that Mousavi was picking up votes from rural voters. This excellent reporting provided key insights to 7th floor principals and NEA. Embassy reporting gave Washington recipients an important view of working class Iranians' views on the elections. Washington appreciates this reporting that represents a key socioeconomic class from a variety of geographic areas and ethnic groups -- a group to which we might not otherwise have access. By continuing and expanding your outreach, you have provided an important snapshot of the elections. This crucial information has helped NEA and key principals in deciphering the maze of Iranian electoral politics. We look forward to further high quality reporting from Embassy Ashgabat as we look to interpret the election results and information you garner from this key socioeconomic class and other contacts. You have set a high standard for your colleagues here in Washington and elsewhere. Best, Jeff CLINTON