Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10LJUBLJANA34
2010-02-10 11:25:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Embassy Ljubljana
Cable title:
IRAN: SLOVENIA WILL SUPPORT EU CONSENSUS ON
how-toVZCZCXYZ0004 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHLJ #0034 0411125 ZNY CCCCC ZZH (CCY AD206678 MSI7111-695) P 101125Z FEB 10 FM AMEMBASSY LJUBLJANA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7664 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0300
C O N F I D E N T I A L LJUBLJANA 000034
NOFORN
SIPDIS
C O R R E C T E D COPY CAPTION
NEA/FO FOR ELISA CATALANO AND ISN/RA FOR RICHARD NEPHEW
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/09/2020
TAGS: PARM PREL UNSC IR SI
SUBJECT: IRAN: SLOVENIA WILL SUPPORT EU CONSENSUS ON
SANCTIONS, ADDITIONAL MEASURES MAY REQUIRE MORE EFFORT
Classified By: CDA Brad Freden, reasons 1.4(b,d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L LJUBLJANA 000034
NOFORN
SIPDIS
C O R R E C T E D COPY CAPTION
NEA/FO FOR ELISA CATALANO AND ISN/RA FOR RICHARD NEPHEW
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/09/2020
TAGS: PARM PREL UNSC IR SI
SUBJECT: IRAN: SLOVENIA WILL SUPPORT EU CONSENSUS ON
SANCTIONS, ADDITIONAL MEASURES MAY REQUIRE MORE EFFORT
Classified By: CDA Brad Freden, reasons 1.4(b,d)
1. (C) We delivered reftel demarche on February 3 to Tadej
Rupel, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Middle East
section. Rupel noted that the EU would likely back tougher
measures if the UN Security Council did not adopt stronger
sanctions against Iran. The EU does not plan to make an
early public push on such measures, however, so as not to
"spoil the game in the UN." Rupel said that with France
chairing the UNSC, a push for sanctions could come in the
lead-up to the 2010 Non-Proliferation Treaty Review
Conference in May. Rupel mentioned that Slovenia's exports
to Iran were not currently affected by sanctions, and any new
measures would not likely limit that trade. (Note:
Slovenia's exports to Iran include mechanical devices,
boilers, electrical engines, pharmaceuticals, and chemical
products. End Note.) He also highlighted that the February
2nd statement from Iran about accepting the enrichment
proposal was likely just a way to "buy more time," rather
than a sincere response.
2. (C/NF) Comment: We may have to push Slovenia quite a bit
harder when it comes to national or EU measures against Iran.
In addition to its desire to address serious human rights
concerns in the region, Slovenia's position on Iran and other
Middle East issues is influenced by two important factors:
economic ties to export markets for Slovenian goods and
services, and Slovene President Danilo Tuerk. The
President's 13 years in New York, first as Slovenia's PermRep
and then as ASG for political affairs, clearly shaped his
views on a number of issues, nowhere more so than when it
comes to the Middle East. While he would not elaborate,
Rupel grudgingly hinted at Tuerk's informal influence on
Slovene policy toward Iran, despite the President's limited
constitutional role in foreign policy. If push comes to
shove, Slovenia's bid for a Security Council seat in 2012 may
provide some leverage for us on this and other issues
(e.g.the Goldstone report).
FREDEN
NOFORN
SIPDIS
C O R R E C T E D COPY CAPTION
NEA/FO FOR ELISA CATALANO AND ISN/RA FOR RICHARD NEPHEW
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/09/2020
TAGS: PARM PREL UNSC IR SI
SUBJECT: IRAN: SLOVENIA WILL SUPPORT EU CONSENSUS ON
SANCTIONS, ADDITIONAL MEASURES MAY REQUIRE MORE EFFORT
Classified By: CDA Brad Freden, reasons 1.4(b,d)
1. (C) We delivered reftel demarche on February 3 to Tadej
Rupel, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Middle East
section. Rupel noted that the EU would likely back tougher
measures if the UN Security Council did not adopt stronger
sanctions against Iran. The EU does not plan to make an
early public push on such measures, however, so as not to
"spoil the game in the UN." Rupel said that with France
chairing the UNSC, a push for sanctions could come in the
lead-up to the 2010 Non-Proliferation Treaty Review
Conference in May. Rupel mentioned that Slovenia's exports
to Iran were not currently affected by sanctions, and any new
measures would not likely limit that trade. (Note:
Slovenia's exports to Iran include mechanical devices,
boilers, electrical engines, pharmaceuticals, and chemical
products. End Note.) He also highlighted that the February
2nd statement from Iran about accepting the enrichment
proposal was likely just a way to "buy more time," rather
than a sincere response.
2. (C/NF) Comment: We may have to push Slovenia quite a bit
harder when it comes to national or EU measures against Iran.
In addition to its desire to address serious human rights
concerns in the region, Slovenia's position on Iran and other
Middle East issues is influenced by two important factors:
economic ties to export markets for Slovenian goods and
services, and Slovene President Danilo Tuerk. The
President's 13 years in New York, first as Slovenia's PermRep
and then as ASG for political affairs, clearly shaped his
views on a number of issues, nowhere more so than when it
comes to the Middle East. While he would not elaborate,
Rupel grudgingly hinted at Tuerk's informal influence on
Slovene policy toward Iran, despite the President's limited
constitutional role in foreign policy. If push comes to
shove, Slovenia's bid for a Security Council seat in 2012 may
provide some leverage for us on this and other issues
(e.g.the Goldstone report).
FREDEN