MALTA: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON OUTCOME OF P5+1 TALKS

C O N F I D E N T I A L VALLETTA 000449 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/08/2019 TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM IR MT SUBJECT: MALTA: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON OUTCOME OF P5+1 TALKS WITH IRAN REF: STATE 103219 Classified By: DCM JASON DAVIS, REASONS 1.4(B) AND (D) ¶1. (SBU) POLOFF delivered reftel demarche to MFA Director for External Relations and Mediterranean Affairs Helga Mizzi on October 9. Mizzi expressed appreciation for the information and for U.S. willingness to share its view of the discussion outcomes. ¶2. (SBU) Mizzi advised that the GOM viewed the outcome as a positive first step, particularly in light of the relatively pessimistic environment which characterized the run-up to the P5 1 talks. She acknowledged that the proof will be in what actual results come from Iranian promises. ¶3. (C) Mizzi declined to indicate whether Malta was supportive of continuing to consider prospects for increasing pressure on the Iranian government in the event of inadequate Iranian engagement. She observed that Iran appeared to be engaged at this point and stated her view that we would need to see how the situation developed before discussing any specific reaction. She also noted that Malta would almost certainly follow the EU lead on this issue. KMIEC