VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHPG #1188 3041559
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 311559Z OCT 07
FM AMEMBASSY PRAGUE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9761
INFO RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC PRIORITY
UNCLAS PRAGUE 001188
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/NCE, ISN, T
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM PREL MNUC ECON EZ
SUBJECT: CZECHS WILL ISSUE FATF'S ADVISORY STATEMENT ON
IRAN TO NATIONAL BANKS
REF: STATE 149648
1. Econoff delivered reftel remarks to Ministry of Foreign
Affairs Middle East and Africa Department Director Josef
Rychtar and Ministry of Finance Financial Analytical Unit
Director Mr. Korbas October 29. Korbas said he would draft a
letter, based on the U.S. demarche and in conjunction with
the Czech National Bank, to encourage banks to employ
enhanced scrutiny on transactions related to Iran or Iranian
entities. Korbas will send the letter to the Czech Banking
Association as well as national banks and other financial
institutions. He noted that under Czech law, all
institutions must comply with existing laws on money
laundering and terrorism financing.
2. Rychtar added that no financial ties currently exist
between the two countries. He explained Iran currently owes
the Czech Republic money and has indicated willingness to
pay, but due to existing sanctions no Czech financial
institution is willing to carry out this transaction.
Graber