IRAN TO PRESIDE AS PRESIDENT OF UNIDO GENERAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 UNVIE VIENNA 000537

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR IO/T, EB/IFT/ODF AND L/PIL
EMBASSIES FOR ECON/POL

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/27/2023
TAGS: KUNR ETRD EIND EAID UNIDO UNDP UNEP AORC KGHG
IR
SUBJECT: IRAN TO PRESIDE AS PRESIDENT OF UNIDO GENERAL
CONFERENCE

REF: UNVIE 440

UNVIE VIEN 00000537 001.2 OF 002


Classified By: Ambassador Glyn T. Davies for reasons (b) and (e)


1. (C) SUMMARY. Nominated by Asia Group without objection,
Iranian Ambassador Ali Asghar Soltanieh is poised to be
elected by acclamation at the upcoming December 7-11 UN
Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) General
Conference. Along with Iran's upcoming chairmanship of the
Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND),Ambassador Soltanieh is
increasingly putting himself into positions of interest and
visibility in the Vienna-based IOs. These leadership
positions may be aimed at balancing Iran's activities in
Vienna to reduce pressure on Iran for its nuclear portfolio.
END SUMMARY

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Sotanieh Finds Another Vienna
Leadership Position
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2. (U) UNIDO's General Conference, held every two years,
brings together leaders from around the world to discuss
issues surrounding the promotion and acceleration of
sustainable industrial development in developing countries
and economies in transition. (Ref). The General conference
provides UNIDO with policy direction and approval of the
budget. This year's theme is "Greening Industry for Global
Recovery and Growth." The President of the General
Conference, elected (usually by acclamation) at the beginning
of the conference, oversees administrative and management
issues related to the agenda. The President is assisted by
eight vice-presidents, also chosen from regional groups.
This year, the GC presidency belonged to the Asia group, who
nominated-without objection according to UNIDO
interlocutors-Iranian Ambassador Ali Asghar Soltanieh.
Various European interlocutors state they fully expect
Sotanieh to be elected by acclamation.

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COMMENT
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3. (C) While the U.S. is not a member to UNIDO, we do
provide voluntary funding to some of its technical assistance
activities in the world. As such, Mission endeavors to
monitor UNIDO's ongoing (and impressive) reforms and
implementation of its strategic priorities. Soltanieh's
likely election to the GC Presidency is a telling
illustration of his active approach to multilateral
diplomacy, and Iran's intent to become more enmeshed in the
leadership of key Vienna-based IOs. Iran's increasing
interest in these organizations is almost certainly part of
its broader goal of reaching out to states across the world
to reduce pressure on Iran over its nuclear activities as
well as to increase the general prestige of the Islamic
Republic as the leader of the Muslim world and developing
nations. Ambassador Soltanieh has a more pleasant demeanor
in non-nuclear meetings and is generally regarded as helpful
in the UNODC forum, including by UNVIE officers, thus he may
be successful in gaining some allies more generally.


4. (C) Aside from its role in the NAM troika, Iran already
claims leadership in the IAEA Board of Governors as the
defender of states' rights to peaceful nuclear programs and
repeatedly has argued that international organizations need
to be retooled to take account of the concerns of a broader
swath of countries and wrested from the hands of the West.
We expect Iran might make a bid to become a member of the
Board of Governors as well, but assess that Iran's continued
noncompliance with the IAEA will prevent its accession. Part
of this drive by Iran no doubt is due to Soltanieh's personal
interest in being a recognized and popular front man for the
Islamic Republic.


5. (C) Mission will continue to monitor Iran's participation

UNVIE VIEN 00000537 002.2 OF 002


in these organizations and will advise Washington of any
opportunities for engagement should the USG choose to pursue
such an approach in these Vienna fora. END COMMENT

DAVIES