EFFORT BY RUSSIAN FIRM TO PROCURE TURNTABLE ON

S E C R E T STATE 074349

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/16/2034
TAGS: MTCRE PARM PREL MNUC ETTC KSCA RS IR
SUBJECT: EFFORT BY RUSSIAN FIRM TO PROCURE TURNTABLE ON
BEHALF OF IRAN ENTITY (S)

Classified By: ISN/MTR DIRECTOR PAM DURHAM, REASON: 1.4 (C).


1. (U) This is an action request. Embassy Moscow, please see
paragraph 3.


2. (S) Background: The United States has information that as
of February 2009, the Russian firm Crystaltechno Ltd. was
working to procure a German-origin, single-axis turntable on
behalf of Iran's Malek-Ashtar University of Technology.
Although not controlled by the Missile Technology Control
Regime (MTCR),the single-axis turntable could be used to
test gyroscopes and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)
sensors used in missile guidance and navigation systems.
Since Malek-Ashtar is subordinate to Iran's Ministry of
Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL),we are concerned
this equipment may be intended to support missile- or
military-related projects in Iran. In addition, we
understand that Crystaltechno has engaged in extensive
business dealings with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran
and a number of MODAFL-affiliated entities in Iran and
routinely uses intermediaries in UAE and Armenia to
facilitate its sales to Iran and avoid Russia's export
control restrictions. We believe Crystlatechno ma
y attempt to use similar shipping methods to supply this
guidance and navigation testing equipment to Malek Ashtar
University of Technology. We want to ask Russian authorities
to investigate this activity and urge them to take measures
to prevent Iran from using Russia as a source of
proliferation-sensitive goods and technologies.


3. (S) Action Request: Request Embassy Moscow approach
appropriate host government officials to deliver talking
points/non-paper in paragraph 4 below and report response.
Talking points also may be provided as a non-paper.


4. (S) Begin talking points/non-paper:

(SECRET//REL RUSSIA)

-- We would like to alert you to a matter of potential
proliferation concern and request your assistance in
investigating this activity.

-- The United States has information that in February 2009,
the Russian firm Crystaltechno Ltd. was working to procure a
single-axis turntable produced by the German firm Imar
Navigation.

-- We are bringing this matter to your attention because we
believe Crystaltechno may be seeking this equipment on behalf
of Iran's Malek-Ashtar University of Technology.

-- Malek-Ashtar University of Technology is subordinate to
Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics
(MODAFL) and we are concerned this equipment may be intended
to support missile- or military-related projects in Iran.

-- The single-axis turntable, although not controlled by the
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR),could be used to
test gyroscopes and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)
sensors used in missile guidance and navigation systems.

-- We understand that Crystaltechno has engaged in extensive
business dealings with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran
and a number of MODAFL-affiliated entities in Iran and
routinely uses intermediaries in UAE and Armenia to
facilitate its sales to Iran and avoid Russia's export
control restrictions.

--We believe that Crystaltechno may attempt to use similar
shipping methods to supply this guidance and navigation
equipment to Malek Ashtar University of Technology.

--We therefore urge you to investigate this activity and take
measures to ensure that Iran is unable to use Russian firms
as a source for proliferation-sensitive goods and
technologies.

--We look forward to future cooperation on nonproliferation
issues and to hearing of any actions your government takes in
response to this information.



End talking points/non-paper


5. (U) Washington POC is ISN/MTR Mike Kennedy (Phone:
202-647-3176). Please slug any reporting on this issue for
ISN/MTR and EUR/RUS


6. (U) A word version of this document will be posted at
www.state.sgov.gov/demarche.
CLINTON