ID: 66183    06/01/2006 10:11    06ISLAMABAD10142    Embassy Islamabad    CONFIDENTIAL    06STATE87682    “VZCZCXRO4361
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SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/30/2016
TAGS: IR, KNNP, PK, PREL
SUBJECT: GOP WELCOMES U.S. STATEMENT ON IRAN

REF: A. STATE 87682

B. ISLAMABAD 9892
C. ISLAMABAD 9499
D. ISLAMABAD 9033

Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

1. (C) On the evening of May 31, the Ambassador conveyed key points on the Secretary Rice’s announcement that the U.S. will to join the EU-3 in direct talks with Iran, if Tehran first verifiably stops its enrichment and reprocessing program, to Foreign Minister Kasuri (Ref A). The Foreign Minister welcomed the news and promised to convey it immediately to President Musharraf. The Ambassador noted that the Foreign Minister had recently repeated the GOP impression that Tehran keenly wanted to open a dialogue with Washington. Now that the Secretary has opened the door to full participation in the EU-3′s dialogue with Iran (Ref B, C, D), the Ambassador continued, the U.S. expects Pakistan to vigorously support the U.S. action. FM Kasuri agreed, saying that he would ensure that the MFA issued a statement of support immediately.

2. (C) The Foreign Minister called the Ambassador at 2300 local time to confirm that he had advised President Musharraf of the Secretary’s announcement and that the MFA had issued a statement of support (full text below).

3. (U) Text of MFA press release: (Begin text.) P.R. No. 203/2006 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Office of the Spokesperson) Press Release When asked to comment, a Spokesperson of the Foreign Office said, “The statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice indicating willingness of the United States to talk to Iran along with the EU-3 is a positive development that we hope would lead to reduction of tensions and negotiations for a diplomatic solution of the Iranian nuclear issue. Pakistan has always supported a diplomatic solution of this problem and opposed resort to the use of force. We have emphasized that all parties must abide by their international obligations and no effort should be spared to find a negotiated solution. While we are firmly against nuclear proliferation, we support Iran’s right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under IAEA safeguards.”

Islamabad
May 31, 2006

(End text.)

CROCKER