GOB RECEIVES IRAN TRR DEMARCHE

C O N F I D E N T I A L GABORONE 000175 SIPDIS ISN/RA FOR RICHARD NEPHEW E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/24/2020 TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM IR BC SUBJECT: GOB RECEIVES IRAN TRR DEMARCHE REF: STATE 15979 Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief Heather C. Merritt for reasons 1.4 (B) AN D (D). ¶1. (U) This is a response to the action request contained in State 70721. ¶2. (C) PolOff met with the Assistant Director of the Department of Europe and Americas in Botswana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Lebogang Diteko, on February 25. PolOff discussed the U.S. policy on Iran,s Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) and the actions taken by the government of Iran regarding low enriched uranium (LEU). Further, PolOff discussed the fact that Iran,s actions raise serious questions about Iran,s nuclear intentions. PolOff stressed that the US remains willing to help ensure the people of Iran receive needed medical isotopes and that the US remains willing to facilitate Iran,s procurement of nuclear fuel through alternate, and more responsible, mechanisms. ¶3. (C) Ms. Diteko indicated she would pass the information to her Director and other interested sections of the Ministry. She also said that in mid-February Minister of Foreign Affairs Phandu Skeleman, had a similar conversation regarding Iran with a senior Canadian delegation that was visiting Botswana. Ms. Diteko offered no other substantive reply to the demarche, but promised to follow up with any questions that the GOB may have. ¶4. (U) Post will continue to monitor this issue and will convey any other information received SEPTEL. NOLAN