Cablegate: Czech Statement On Iran Missile Launch

VZCZCXRO8143
RR RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDBU RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA
RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHNP RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSK RUEHSL RUEHSR RUEHVK
RUEHYG
DE RUEHPG #0580 2731524
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 301524Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY PRAGUE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1793
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS PRAGUE 000580

SIPDIS

EUR/CE FOR JBERGEMANN, ISN/RA FOR RNEPHEW

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM PREL KNNP MNUC IR EZ EUN
SUBJECT: CZECH STATEMENT ON IRAN MISSILE LAUNCH

REF: WARSAW 1004

Czech Defense Minister Martin Bartak told the press on
September 29 that the Czech government considers the recent
tests of Iranian Shahab-3 and Sedjil missiles a serious
threat to Israel and southeast Europe. Noting that these
missile tests occurred shortly after Iran admitted to
building new underground facilities for enriching uranium,
Bartak stated that "this approach is destabilizing for the
Middle East and provokes serious concern." The Czech
government also released an official statement on September
29, which follows below.

Begin statement:

Iran's recent missile tests only confirm doubts over the
advanced development of the Iranian missile program. The
Sahab-3 and Sejil missiles with a flight range of 1,300 to
2,000 km represent potential serious threats not only for
Israel, but also southeast Europe. These tests took place
shortly after Iran acknowledged the existence of a second
nuclear facility, the purpose of which is very questionable.
This approach is destabilizing for the Middle East; it is
also a reason for grave concern and must lead to a strong
coordinated process that would encourage Iran to respect its
international commitments.

End of the Czech government's statement.
Thompson-Jones

© Scoop Media