DEMARCHE RESPONSE: MOBILIZING PRESSURE TO PERSUADE

C O N F I D E N T I A L YEREVAN 000053 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/01/2020 TAGS: PARM PREL UNSC IR AM SUBJECT: DEMARCHE RESPONSE: MOBILIZING PRESSURE TO PERSUADE IRAN'S ENGAGEMENT ON ITS NUCLEAR PROGRAM REF: SECSTATE 09124 Classified By: AMB Marie L. Yovanovitch for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) On February 1, Ambassador Yovanovitch delivered ref demarche to Armenian Minster of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian. This was Ambassador Yovanovich's second meeting in a week with Nalbandian on Iran,s nuclear program.. At the earlier January 26 meeting in anticipation of Iranian Foreign Minister Mottaki,s visit the following day, Ambassador raised the importance of Iran quickly complying with all UNSCRs. If Iran refused, she noted,it was clear that the world community would take further action against Iran. Nalbandian said that no country is more interested in resolving this issue than Armenia, since Armenia borders Iran. The Ambassador encouraged Nalbandian to raise the issue with Iranian Foreign Minister Mottaki during his 27 January meeting, which he promised to do. ¶2. (C) On February 1, after listening to Ambassador Yovanovitch's demarche, Nalbandian offered a readout of his meeting with Mottaki. Nalbandian explained that Mottaki appears to have "illusions that there is movement towards a solution (with the West)," and that the Tehran Research Reactor swap agreement was still an open discussion. Nalbandian added that Mottaki made a convincing argument that Iran and the West were "discussing a way forward." Nalbandian noted that his final message to Mottaki was a suggestion for Mottaki to "reflect" on the need to find a solution with the West regarding the Iranian nuclear program ¶3. (C) Separately, Nalbandian provided his own commentary on Iran, Iranians, and the current regime. Nalbandian noted a significant cultural gap and a clear difference in mentality between Armenians and Iranians. Nalbandian noted that the current Iranian regime faces significant domestic pressure as it has not delivered on any political or economic promises since taking power. Nalbandian added that the country is not currently united, but would unite if faced with increased pressure from the West: "Economic sanctions will mobilize the population." Nalbandian suggested the West revert to a united, strong, diplomatic signal with economic sanctions being the final means to force a change in policy in Iran. In response to Nalbandian's suggestion, Ambassador Yovanovitch noted that a united, strong, diplomatic signal has already been sent, and that additional measures would be necessary should Iran not move forward with the appropriate steps. YOVANOVITCH