GABON: FOREIGN MINISTRY NON-COMITTAL ON IRAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L LIBREVILLE 000046

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR A/C FOR LISA KORTE

EO. 12958: DECL: 02/02/2020
TAGS: PARM PGOV PRE GB IR
SUBJECT: GABON: FOREIGN MINISTRY NON-COMITTAL ON IRAN

REF: A. A: STATE 9124

B. : 09 STATE 120288

Classified By: Ambassador Eunce Reddick for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) SUMARY. Ambassador met with Gabon's Deputy Foreign Minister
Jules Marius Ogouebandja to discuss Iran's
non-compliance on nuclear issues and the importnce of
Gabon's cooperation now that it has joined the United Nations
Security Council as a non-permanent member. Ogouebandja
stated that Gabon's Scurity Council consultations in
Washington this week will help inform Gabon's policy on Iran.
Gabon hopes that constructive dialog will remain a priority
for dealing with Iran's nuclear enrichment program.
Ougouebandja was non-committal, but stated that he would pass
on our concerns. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) Ambassador delivered demarche (ref A) on February 1 to
Deputy Foreign Minister Jules Marius Ogouebandja. Gabon's
Director of the America's Desk Bika Bisso, Director of
International Organizations Ndzenze, and poloff attended the
meeting.


3. (C) Ogouebandja thanked the Ambassador for relaying the
U.S. position on Iran and noted Gabon's eagerness to play a
constructive role on the UNSC. He said that he expects
formal UNSC consultations between the United States and Gabon
will produce useful information to provide "the complete
picture" on the Iran issue. Gabon's Permanent Representative
York is in Washington this week for UNSC consultations.
Ogouebandja said that he would convey U.S. concerns and their
importance to the Foreign Minister, the Permanent
Representative in New York, and President Bongo Ondimba.


4. (C) Ogouebandja noted Gabon prefers an emphasis on
diplomacy and "an open dialog" as the primary methods to gain
Iranian compliance on all UNSC resolutions. He added that
Gabon appreciates President Obama's "open door" to Iran and
will do what it can to help Iran reciprocate. Ogouebandja
was non-committal on the issue of implementing harsher
measures against Iran.

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COMMENT
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5. (C) Ouguebanja's lack of commitment comes as no surprise
given that Gabon has just joined the UNSC and is just
beginning to formulate position on key issues, such as Iran.
In the past, Gabon abstained or absented itself for many key
votes at the United Nations. Gabon does not have significant
ties with Iran, but is a member of the African Union and the
Organization of Islamic Conference and could take some cues
from these regional memberships. Nonetheless, Gabon wants to
be a constructive player on international issues and welcomes
engagement with the U.S. on Iran. END COMMENT.

REDDICK