CODEL HYDE DISCUSSIONS ON ITALIAN EU PRESIDENCY

UNCLAS ROME 003200

SIPDIS


SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR H

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV EU IT EUN
SUBJECT: CODEL HYDE DISCUSSIONS ON ITALIAN EU PRESIDENCY
PRIORITIES WITH DPM FINI AND PARLIAMENT



1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Deputy Prime Minister Gianfranco Fini
and Members of the Italian Parliament told CODEL Hyde that
improving the transatlantic relationship was a priority for
the Italian EU Presidency. Fini said that the GOI recognizes
and appreciates the sacrifices America has made to preserve
freedom in Europe, and believes the EU and the US need close
cooperation to prevent the spread of WMD. He said that the
GOI wants to overcome differences on biotech issues during
its Presidency, and said patent protection is crucial to
fueling continued investment and wealth creation. MPs
stressed development of a European Procurement Agency as a
longer-term goal to achieve a common market for military
research, development and procurement, increasing efficiency
and economies of scale. Italy is aware of the need to
confront rogue states that support terrorism and jeopardize
international peace. END SUMMARY


2. (U) From June 27 through July 2, a Congressional
Delegation led by HIRC Chairman Henry Hyde visited Rome for
Transatlantic Legislature Dialogue (TLD) meetings with
Members of the European Parliament, and meetings with GOI
officials to discuss GOI priorities for the Italian EU
Presidency and bilateral economic and Political issues.
(SEPTELS report TLD and economic bilateral meetings).
Ambassador Sembler accompanied the CODEL to the meetings with
Fini and the Italian Parliament. CODEL members joining
Chairman Hyde in the meetings with Fini and MPs were: Reps Jo
Ann Davis, Henry Waxman, John Mica, Phil English, Ed
Whitfield, Randy Forbes, Diane Watson, Katherine Harris,
Thaddeus G. McCotter, and Candice Miller.


3. (SBU) Deputy PM Fini opened the July 1 meeting with a
warm welcome to Chairman Hyde and other delegates. Noting
Italy's assumption of the EU Presidency was to begin that
day, Fini offered a sketch of the GOI's priorities.
Improving the transatlantic relationship is a top priority,
and Italy recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices America
has made preserving freedom in Europe. During its six-month
Presidency the GOI hopes to guide the EU towards continued
partnership with the U.S., not rivalry.


4. (SBU) Fini made clear the EU had a responsibility, and
the ability, to fight the GWOT alongside the U.S. He agreed
with the need to improve aviation security. Fini believes
the EU and the U.S. need close cooperation to prevent the
spread of nuclear arms, and promised the GOI would focus on
encouraging the EU to pursue additional inspections in Iran
and provide aid to countries that cooperate in halting WMD
proliferation. In the war on drugs Italy stands shoulder to
shoulder with the U.S., and is the second largest contributor
to UN anti-drug efforts after the United States. Fini did
caution that foreign policy choices often have adverse
consequences, pointing out the rapid rise in opium production
that followed the Taliban's fall.


5. (SBU) On IPR, Fini underscored his support for the
initiatives of Minister of Productive Activities Marzano, and
said that patent protection is crucial to fueling continued
investment and wealth creation. He acknowledged that the
fight against world hunger and poverty could be won with the
assistance of biotech and GMOs. The GOI wants to work
towards overcoming differences on biotech issue during its
Presidency, but the issue might be one where friends should
agree to disagree. Fini agreed hydrogen fuel cells were
potentially useful if they raise the quality of life, but
expressed concern that governments not ignore potential
negative effects on auto workers.


6. (SBU) Just prior to ending their meeting, Chairman Hyde
thanked the GOI for its cooperation in the Middle East,
noting with gratitude that PM Berlusconi did not meet with
Arafat on a recent Middle East visit. Fini said the GOI
considers the success of the roadmap critical to the peace
process and hopes the Quartet will continue to play a key
role. Palestinian PM Abu Mazen was invited to Rome in July,
and Fini mentioned a possible peace conference in Sicily
during the fall.


7. (U) Immediately following the Fini meeting, the CODEL
met Chamber Defense Committee Chair Luigi Ramponi, Foreign
Affairs Vice Chair Dario Rivolta, and the Chamber's Alternate
Representative to the European Convention (and ranking
opposition member on the Foreign Affairs Committee) Valdo
Spini.


8. (SBU) Defense Chairman Ramponi (a member of the second
party in the governing coalition, National Alliance, AN)
emphasized development of Europe's self-defense capability,


increased defense spending (within economic realities),using
the entry of the ten new EU members to improve Europe's
defense, and coordination of European defense against
terrorism. The latter, he noted, should rely not only on
military means, but even more on integrating intelligence and
law enforcement capabilities of all partners. Ramponi also
stressed development of a European Procurement Agency as a
longer-term goal to achieve a common market for military
research, development and procurement, increasing efficiency
and economies of scale. Ramponi urged the delegation to note
Italy's extensive support for international peacekeeping
operations (which they did in their responses and questions),
despite budgetary limitations and domestic political
pressures. "We're with you in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in
Kosovo, and elsewhere," Ramponi said, "despite our admittedly
low spending on defense."


9. (SBU) Cong. Forbes sought Ramponi's evaluation of the
implications of U.S. force transformation in Europe. Ramponi
acknowledged that different threats in Europe after the Cold
War could justify a reduction and relocation in U.S. forces.
"I would understand if you must reduce and would not think
you are abandoning Europe politically," he said.


10. (SBU) Cong. Harris praised the reconstruction
contributions of smaller, specialized Italian teams in
Afghanistan and asked for further contributions of small
teams to security outside Kabul. She asked for clarification
on the GOI request that the USG confirm that the 173rd
Airborne had parachuted into a permissive environment in
northern Iraq in the first week of Operation Iraqi Freedom;
what did this imply for future cooperation? Ramponi was
pleased with the recognition of Italy's specialized
contributions. Outlining Italy's on-going contributions in
Afghanistan, however, he implied further concurrent
involvement was unlikely. He suggested that involvement
outside Kabul would require a new UN decision. He explained
some of the political pressure on the GOI during the Iraq
war; it had requested confirmation of the 173rd's mission in
order to defuse opposition allegations that the GOI had lied
about use of Italian territory to launch military strikes
against Iraq. Ambassador Sembler clarified the
constitutional restrictions under which Italy had operated.


11. (SBU) Rivolta ( foreign affairs spokesman for PM
Berlusconi's Forza Italia (FI) party) highlighted Italy's
pride at being a "special friend" of the U.S., adding that
Italy cannot see a Europe that does not cooperate closely
with the U.S. Even in France and Germany, politicians know
that the future of Europe is with the United States. Europe
can be a stronger and better partner to the U.S. if it is
united, Rivolta continued. Coordinating, rather than
duplicating, will allow Europe to increase its defense
spending as the U.S. has requested. Italy is aware of the
need to confront rogue states that support terrorism and
jeopardize international peace. Together, we can defeat
their weapons, but, Rivolta added, we must also defeat the
sympathy some feel toward those who engage in terrorism.


12. (SBU) Cong. Miller asked if possible American force
restructuring in Europe would be perceived as retaliation,
particularly if troops in Germany and France were reduced.
Admitting that it was difficult for him to evaluate German or
French reaction, Rivolta opined that if such a change
occurred now, it could be perceived as a rupture. Cong.
Watson asked Rivolta to elaborate on Italy's relations with
Syria and Iran. Rivolta suggested Italy's continued dialogue
with Syria might bring Damascus closer to U.S. (and Western)
views. Iran was a tougher case. He had hoped for a quicker,
easier transformation there.


13. (SBU) Cong. Tancredo asked if Italy shared U.S.
concerns on human trafficking; how could we ensure more
aggressive prosecution of perpetrators? Rivolta replied that
Italy is particularly exposed to the evils of trafficking
with its huge coastline. He explained Italy's overall
concerns with immigration and trafficking, noting their
importance in Italy's EU Presidency program. He mentioned
the discussion of whether to assist Libya with its ability to
interdict illegal immigration flows by relaxing the embargo
against Qaddafi.


14. (SBU) Spini (member of opposition Democrats of the
Left, DS) highlighted the critical importance of the
Berlin-Plus agreement, noting it was yet to be resolved
whether the EU or NATO would authorize use of the
60,000-person Rapid Reaction Force. Practically, he
observed, it would have to be NATO, although not all European


nations would agree. Spini expressed optimism that
differences over the Iraq war would lead to new understanding
and cooperation.


15. (SBU) Cong. Harris asked about new members' ability to
enforce immigration policy. Spini emphasized the importance
of European integration in diminishing tensions from
formerly-disputed borders between now-united nations. The
Ambassador asked Spini if the opposition supported PM
Berlusconi's calls to expand the EU to Russia and Israel.
No, Spini replied -- closer association with Russia,
especially through NATO, was important, but Russia's economy
is too different and too large to permit incorporation into
the EU at this time. Turning to Turkey's possible entry to
the EU, Spini said there were advantages and disadvantages to
the entry of the first Muslim country to a currently
Christian Union. For Israel, he urged involvement through a
strong Mediterranean relationship now, with closer
association after peace.


16. (U) The CODEL did not clear this telegram prior to
departing Rome.
Sembler
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2003ROME03200 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED