(S) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO ACQUIRING ARMS

S E C R E T STATE 077000 NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2034 TAGS: PARM PREL MASS ETTC CG IR SUBJECT: (S) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO ACQUIRING ARMS FROM IRAN REF: A. 08 STATE 129098 ¶B. 08 KINSHASA 1112 Classified By: AF Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson, Reason 1.4 (b) and (d). -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (S/NF) In December 2008, African states were urged not to engage in defense cooperation with Iran, or to cease any such cooperation already underway (Ref A). At the time a Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) official claimed that, to his knowledge, the GDRC does not purchase arms from Iran (Ref B). Recent information, however, indicates that the DRC may still be pursuing increased military cooperation with Iran and could be planning to purchase a large amount of military equipment and/or arms from Tehran. We request that Embassy Kinshasa immediately approach host government at the highest appropriate level, share this information and strongly urge that the DRC immediately cease any attempts to acquire arms from Iran. Though the sensitive nature of the intelligence sources involved precludes providing greater detail in the talking points, post can speak with great confidence when delivering those points. Though general in nature, the assertions are accurate and are supported by a body of reliable reporting. -------------- BACKGROUND -------------- ¶2. (S/NF) Earlier, in Ref A, we advised that Iran is expanding its efforts to export arms, military equipment, and defense-related services to African states (in particular Sudan) despite the prohibition on all Iranian sales of military equipment imposed in UN Security Council Resolution 1747 (2007). In particular, paragraph 5 of UNSCR 1747 provides that Iran "shall not supply, sell or transfer...any arms or related materiel, and that all states shall prohibit the procurement of such items from Iran by their nationals..." ¶3. (S) Most African states that find defense cooperation with Iran attractive do so because Iranian arms are relatively inexpensive in comparison to other suppliers. Iran is also willing to sell to states that other major arms suppliers are not. Moreover, Iranian arms sales may accompany other Iranian efforts to exert its influence, expand its presence, and lessen its international isolation for its nuclear-related activities and support for terrorism. -------------- ACTION REQUEST -------------- ¶4. (S) Drawing from the points in Paragraph 6, post is requested to immediately approach the highest appropriate Democratic Republic of Congo officials with this information and strongly urge them not to acquire any arms from Iran. Post may draw from objectives and talking points, as appropriate. -------------- OBJECTIVES -------------- ¶5. (S//REL Democratic Republic of Congo) Post should pursue the following objectives: -- Inform the GDRC we have information that it is pursuing increased military cooperation with Iran and planning to purchase a large amount of military equipment and/or arms from Iran. -- Emphasize that Iran is prohibited under operative paragraph 5 of UNSCR 1747, from supplying, selling or transferring any arms or related materiel (including spare parts),and that the DRC is obliged to prohibit the procurement of such items by their nationals. -- Discourage the GDRC from violating an international obligation by acquiring arms from Iran, and further discourage the DRC from doing business with entities designated under UNSCRs 1737, 1747 or 1803 for their involvement in Iran's nuclear or delivery system development efforts. -- Note that entities in their jurisdiction that acquire arms from Iran or do business with certain designated Iranian entities of proliferation concern may be subject to sanctions under U.S. law, including Executive Order 13382 and the Iran, North Korea, Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA). -- Stress that continued defense cooperation with Iran may jeopardize U.S. defense cooperation and military assistance. -- Encourage the GDRC to deny Iran the use of its territory, airspace, ports, and territorial waters to transfer weapons-related items and materiel, consistent with their own national laws and authorities, and relevant international law. -- Note that the USG may inform the UN Security Council's Iran Sanctions Committee of any information it obtains indicating that states are engaged in prohibited transfers from Iran. -------------- TALKING POINTS/NON-PAPER -------------- ¶6. (S//REL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO) Begin talking points/non-paper: -- We approached your government in December 2008 to urge it to comply with paragraph 5 of UN Security Council Resolution 1747, which prohibits Iran from supplying, selling or transferring any arms or related materiel (including spare parts),and obliges all member states, including the DRC, to prohibit the procurement of such items from Iran by their nationals. -- In addition, UN Security Council Resolutions designate certain Iranian entities and individuals, and require Member States to ensure that any funds, financial assets or economic resources are prevented from being made available by their nationals, or by any persons or entities within their territories, to or for the benefit of designated entities and persons. -- We urged your government to refrain from acquiring arms from Iran and stressed that any defense cooperation with Iran may jeopardize US defense cooperation and military assistance. -- We have information, however, that your government may still be pursuing increased military cooperation with Iran and could be planning to purchase a large amount of military equipment and/or arms from Iran. -- We again strongly encourage your government to comply with its international obligations and immediately cease any attempts to acquire arms or related materiel from Iran. -- Any transfer of military equipment by Iran to the GDRC could also result in the imposition of sanctions by the U.S. under Executive Order 13382 and the Iran, North Korea, Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA). -------------- Reporting Requirement -------------- ¶7. (U) Post is requested to please report results of its efforts within seven business days following receipt of this cable. -------------- POINTS OF CONTACT -------------- ¶8. (U) ISN/CATR Point of Contact is Michael Rolleri. ISN/CPI Point of Contact is Mark Felipe. ¶9. (U) Post's assistance is greatly appreciated. CLINTON