FOLLOW-UP ON IRANIAN ARMS TRANSFERS TO SYRIA

S E C R E T STATE 080264 NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/31/2034 TAGS: ETTC IR PARM PREL TU MASS SY SUBJECT: FOLLOW-UP ON IRANIAN ARMS TRANSFERS TO SYRIA VIA AIR Classified By: Ann K. Ganzer, Acting DAS. Reasons: 1.4 (b),(c),and (d). ¶1. (U) This is an urgent action request to Embassy Ankara. Please deliver the points in paragraph 4 as soon as possible. These points may be left as a non- paper. ¶2. (S/NF) We have recently received information from a diplomatic source that Iran intends to ship possibly lethal military equipment to Syria by air. -------------- ACTION REQUEST/OBJECTIVES -------------- ¶3. (S/NF) Post is requested to approach appropriate host government officials as soon as possible to pursue the following objectives and to deliver the talking points/non-paper in para 4 below: -- Inform Turkish officials we have received information that in the immediate future possibly Saha Airlines, Syrian Arab Airlines or Syrian Air Force flights will conduct large-scale arms shipments from Iran to Syria and probably Hizbullah using Turkish airspace; -- Ask the Government of Turkey (GOT) to follow up and implement its commitment to be vigilant in investigating suspect shipments from Iran, and to interdict them as appropriate. -- Convey our appreciation for Turkey's ongoing support to investigate such activity and positive action with regard to similar shipments in the past. -- As a NATO ally, we try to provide Turkey with as much information as possible on these issues; and -- Emphasize to Turkish officials that UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1747, paragraph 5, prohibits Iran from supplying, selling or transferring from its territory any arms or related material. It also requires all states to prohibit the procurement of such items from Iran by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, and whether or not such transfers originated in the territory of Iran. ¶4. (S/REL TURKEY) BEGIN TALKING POINTS. THESE POINTS MAY BE LEFT AS A NONPAPER. -- We have received information indicating that Iran intends to transfer large-scale arms shipments to Syria and probably Hizbullah in the immediate future. -- The arms are to be shipped by cargo planes via the Turkish airspace. -- The arms transfers may be conducted by Saha Airlines, Syrian Arab Airlines or the Syrian Air Force. -- We urge you to investigate this information pursuant UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1747, paragraph 5, which prohibits Iran from supplying, selling or transferring from its territory any arms or related material. It also requires all states to prohibit the procurement of such items from Iran by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, and whether or not such transfers originated in the territory of Iran. -- We would appreciate any assistance you can provide in preventing the transfer of arms on Iranian and Syrian cargo flights via Turkish airspace, making the planes land for inspection where warranted. -- Per our past discussions on this issue, we urge you to continue to require suspicious Syrian aircraft requesting permission to overfly Turkey to land for inspection to ensure they are not engaged in prohibited transfers, and to conduct such inspections if the Syrians agree to land. -- Unfortunately, we do not have more detailed information on this transfer at this time. We are seeking additional details and will endeavor to share any further information that we may obtain with you. We understand that Israel has engaged with your government on this matter as well and would recommend that you follow up with them on any additional information they may have. END TALKING POINTS ¶6. (U) Department appreciates Post's assistance in this matter. ISN/CATR PoC is William Malzahn (MalzahnWB@state.sgov.gov; 202-647-0397). CLINTON