Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03ROME3388
2003-07-25 11:14:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Rome
Cable title:
EUR A/S JONES DISCUSSIONS WITH PM DIP ADVISOR
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 003388
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EUR/FO, EUR/WE, EUR/ERA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/25/2013
TAGS: PGOV PREL EU IT EUN
SUBJECT: EUR A/S JONES DISCUSSIONS WITH PM DIP ADVISOR
CASTELLANETA AND MFA SYG BALDOCCI
REF: ROME 3368
Classified By: A/POL M%$1Qerline the US desire
to work closely with the EU on critical issues: MEPP,
trafficking in persons, and transatlantic security structures
are among the most important. Baldocci was hopeful that
early consultations when disagreements arise could avoid
rifts in our relations. He pointed to the intense talks in
the Quint prior to the KOSOVO conflict as an example of how
quiet diplomacy can avoid public disagreements.
--------------
UNSC Reform
--------------
4. (C) Castellaneta said he was concerned about British plans
for UNSC reform, which he understood were discussed during PM
Blair's trip to Washington. Italy agrees that reform is
necessary, but simply adding several new countries to the
UNSC (Japan, Germany, Brazil, India) is not the answer. We
should proceed cautiously. Baldocci confirmed that UNSC
reform is under study in the MFA; the Italian government is
studying possible configurations that would preserve the
status of the P5 but allow an expanded role for other large
countries on a rotating basis. A/S Jones said she would
convey Italian concerns in Washington.
--------------
Biotechnology
--------------
5. (C) A/S Jones pressed for Italian leadership, as EU
President, for progress on biotech. The US Congress is
focusing on the issue, and is not happy with EU labeling
plans. Castellaneta said the EU Parliament vote on
traceability and labeling will allow lifting of the
moratorium on new biotech product approvals. He called the
seizure and destruction of corn crops in Northern Italy this
past week "stupid," and acknowledged divisions within the
Italian government on this issue. He said that Berlusconi is
personally focused on the problem.
--------------
Middle East
--------------
6. (C) A/S Jones noted the visit of Sharon and Abu Mazen to
Washington at the end of the month. Castellaneta underlined
Italian/EU support for the Road Map, and said that the EU
would be willing to send civilian monitors/observers to the
region when appropriate. A/S Jones thanked Castellaneta for
this offer, but pointed out that is too early to think about
deploying monitors. Baldocci highlighted the need for
financial support for the region, noting PM Berlusconi's
"Marshall Plan" was ready to implement when the time is
right. The MEPP/Roadmap will be an important topic of
conversation at the July 21 GAERC. He said Italy wanted to
exploit its perception in the Middle East as a European
country with a "balanced" view towards all sides. A/S Jones
said that the USG looks forward to working with
newly-appointed Special Envoy Otte and through the Quartet
process to move the peace process forward in the coming
months.
7. (C) Castellaneta noted the Italian offer to hold a Middle
East conference in Sicily. A/S Jones said we need to focus
on implementing the first stages of the Road Map, including
confidence building measures. She stressed the importance of
Berlusconi's developing a strong personal relationship with
Sharon. This would be necessary for possible Israeli
acceptance of EU monitors at a later stage. Baldocci and
Castellaneta underlined the importance of financial support
for the region and support for the G-8/Evian approach to
reconstruction and of a $5-7 billion international fund to be
utilized when conditions on the ground allow. Castellaneta
asked about the Department's (NEA) Middle East Partnership
Initiative. A/S Jones explained its focus was on education
and civil society projects in the Middle East in general, not
just on the Palestinian/Israeli dispute. A/S Jones stressed
enhancing Abu Mazen's support so that he can become an
interlocutor for Sharon. Castellaneta noted that Berlusconi
would be speaking with Abu Mazen later that day, and that
Palestinian and Israeli Foreign Ministers would be at the
GAERC on July 21.
--------------
Iraq
--------------
8. (C) A/S Jones summarized Ambassador Bremer's efforts to
address security issues in Iraq while simultaneously working
on a political track. Castellaneta said Italy welcomes the
formation of the Governing Council, and has arranged
financing (USD 300 Million) to deploy 3000 troops to Iraq.
He said that Italy had already sent several civilian experts
to work with the Iraqi civilian administration, and would
like to deploy more. A/S Jones welcomed Castellaneta's offer
to send some 50 experts in all, and said she would try to
facilitate their deployment with Amb. Bremer. Castellaneta
said Italy was favorable to an eventual larger NATO role in
Iraq. A/S Jones said the US and Italy should consult on how
to use NATO most effectively.
--------------
Iran
--------------
9. (C) Castellaneta said that an Italian-Iranian economic
commission had met in recent days, and DPM Fini had
discussions the previous week with Iranian Min. of Industries
& Mines Eshaq Jahangiri. Castellaneta expressed Italian
unhappiness with the IAEA's failure to gain any further
concrete information on Iran's nuclear program, and noted
Italy's willingness to continue to serve as a communication
channel between Iran and the US.
10. (C) A/S Jones said the EU needed to ask itself hard
questions about the effectiveness of its "critical dialogue"
with Iran. What has it achieved? Iranian behavior on human
rights, media, its nuclear program, and terrorism is
deteriorating, not improving. The issue is: how can we
influence Iranian behavior to get the results we want? The
IAEA will present its report to the Security Council in
August; the US expects it to be very critical and generate
significant discussion. Castellaneta and A/S Jones agreed on
the need to continue to urge Russia to withhold further
support for Iran's nuclear program. They noted that Putin
has been saying more of the right things lately.
--------------
OSCE/Frozen Conflicts
--------------
11. (C) A/S Jones outlined Russian recalcitrance on
fulfilling Istanbul commitments for withdrawal from Moldova
and Georgia. On the edge of an enlarged Europe, Russia was
acting like the old Soviet Union. The Russian MFA is the
main problem, and the EU needs to let Putin know that Europe
is concerned about this behavior. Castellaneta agreed, and
noted that Berlusconi will have two opportunities to do this:
at a planned Berlusconi-Putin meeting in Sochi at the end of
July, and at the Rome EU-Russia summit in November.
--------------
Galileo
--------------
12. (C) A/S Jones agreed with Baldocci's and Castellaneta's
assertion that technical work should continue on Galileo, but
said that political-level decisions will be essential to
solving this issue. A/DCM (ECMIN) noted that time is
limited; the issue needs to be resolved during the Italian
Presidency, before the December Transport Council meeting.
He said that US-Italy talks in Rome this week did not appear
to have made much progress. Castellaneta agreed, and
promised to personally engage on this issue.
--------------
Defense Industrial Cooperation
--------------
13. (C) Castellaneta said that Italy wanted to strengthen
bilateral defense industrial cooperation with the US, but he
argued that Italy is not getting the same return on its
investment in the Joint Strike Fighter program as other
participants. The Agusta-Westland helicopter sale is
extremely important to Italy, and he underlined Italy's view
that it is not getting the same access to US technology as
other close Allies. A/S Jones said A/S Bloomfield is working
intensively on a technology transfer policy; she would convey
Italy's concerns in Washington, but was not aware of any
categorization by country.
--------------
Turkey
--------------
14. (C) A/S Jones noted that Turkish FM Gul would be in
Washington the following week for meetings, including with VP
Cheney. The USG applauds the new laws passed in Ankara, but
now the time has come to implement reforms on human rights,
prison conditions and use of the Kurdish language. Baldocci
promised to ask the Italian Embassy in Washington to contact
the State Department with EU Presidency points on Turkish
reform and Turkey's EU aspirations.
15. (U) A/S Jones has cleared this cable.
Sembler
NNNN
2003ROME03388 - Classification: CONFIDENTIAL
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EUR/FO, EUR/WE, EUR/ERA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/25/2013
TAGS: PGOV PREL EU IT EUN
SUBJECT: EUR A/S JONES DISCUSSIONS WITH PM DIP ADVISOR
CASTELLANETA AND MFA SYG BALDOCCI
REF: ROME 3368
Classified By: A/POL M%$1Qerline the US desire
to work closely with the EU on critical issues: MEPP,
trafficking in persons, and transatlantic security structures
are among the most important. Baldocci was hopeful that
early consultations when disagreements arise could avoid
rifts in our relations. He pointed to the intense talks in
the Quint prior to the KOSOVO conflict as an example of how
quiet diplomacy can avoid public disagreements.
--------------
UNSC Reform
--------------
4. (C) Castellaneta said he was concerned about British plans
for UNSC reform, which he understood were discussed during PM
Blair's trip to Washington. Italy agrees that reform is
necessary, but simply adding several new countries to the
UNSC (Japan, Germany, Brazil, India) is not the answer. We
should proceed cautiously. Baldocci confirmed that UNSC
reform is under study in the MFA; the Italian government is
studying possible configurations that would preserve the
status of the P5 but allow an expanded role for other large
countries on a rotating basis. A/S Jones said she would
convey Italian concerns in Washington.
--------------
Biotechnology
--------------
5. (C) A/S Jones pressed for Italian leadership, as EU
President, for progress on biotech. The US Congress is
focusing on the issue, and is not happy with EU labeling
plans. Castellaneta said the EU Parliament vote on
traceability and labeling will allow lifting of the
moratorium on new biotech product approvals. He called the
seizure and destruction of corn crops in Northern Italy this
past week "stupid," and acknowledged divisions within the
Italian government on this issue. He said that Berlusconi is
personally focused on the problem.
--------------
Middle East
--------------
6. (C) A/S Jones noted the visit of Sharon and Abu Mazen to
Washington at the end of the month. Castellaneta underlined
Italian/EU support for the Road Map, and said that the EU
would be willing to send civilian monitors/observers to the
region when appropriate. A/S Jones thanked Castellaneta for
this offer, but pointed out that is too early to think about
deploying monitors. Baldocci highlighted the need for
financial support for the region, noting PM Berlusconi's
"Marshall Plan" was ready to implement when the time is
right. The MEPP/Roadmap will be an important topic of
conversation at the July 21 GAERC. He said Italy wanted to
exploit its perception in the Middle East as a European
country with a "balanced" view towards all sides. A/S Jones
said that the USG looks forward to working with
newly-appointed Special Envoy Otte and through the Quartet
process to move the peace process forward in the coming
months.
7. (C) Castellaneta noted the Italian offer to hold a Middle
East conference in Sicily. A/S Jones said we need to focus
on implementing the first stages of the Road Map, including
confidence building measures. She stressed the importance of
Berlusconi's developing a strong personal relationship with
Sharon. This would be necessary for possible Israeli
acceptance of EU monitors at a later stage. Baldocci and
Castellaneta underlined the importance of financial support
for the region and support for the G-8/Evian approach to
reconstruction and of a $5-7 billion international fund to be
utilized when conditions on the ground allow. Castellaneta
asked about the Department's (NEA) Middle East Partnership
Initiative. A/S Jones explained its focus was on education
and civil society projects in the Middle East in general, not
just on the Palestinian/Israeli dispute. A/S Jones stressed
enhancing Abu Mazen's support so that he can become an
interlocutor for Sharon. Castellaneta noted that Berlusconi
would be speaking with Abu Mazen later that day, and that
Palestinian and Israeli Foreign Ministers would be at the
GAERC on July 21.
--------------
Iraq
--------------
8. (C) A/S Jones summarized Ambassador Bremer's efforts to
address security issues in Iraq while simultaneously working
on a political track. Castellaneta said Italy welcomes the
formation of the Governing Council, and has arranged
financing (USD 300 Million) to deploy 3000 troops to Iraq.
He said that Italy had already sent several civilian experts
to work with the Iraqi civilian administration, and would
like to deploy more. A/S Jones welcomed Castellaneta's offer
to send some 50 experts in all, and said she would try to
facilitate their deployment with Amb. Bremer. Castellaneta
said Italy was favorable to an eventual larger NATO role in
Iraq. A/S Jones said the US and Italy should consult on how
to use NATO most effectively.
--------------
Iran
--------------
9. (C) Castellaneta said that an Italian-Iranian economic
commission had met in recent days, and DPM Fini had
discussions the previous week with Iranian Min. of Industries
& Mines Eshaq Jahangiri. Castellaneta expressed Italian
unhappiness with the IAEA's failure to gain any further
concrete information on Iran's nuclear program, and noted
Italy's willingness to continue to serve as a communication
channel between Iran and the US.
10. (C) A/S Jones said the EU needed to ask itself hard
questions about the effectiveness of its "critical dialogue"
with Iran. What has it achieved? Iranian behavior on human
rights, media, its nuclear program, and terrorism is
deteriorating, not improving. The issue is: how can we
influence Iranian behavior to get the results we want? The
IAEA will present its report to the Security Council in
August; the US expects it to be very critical and generate
significant discussion. Castellaneta and A/S Jones agreed on
the need to continue to urge Russia to withhold further
support for Iran's nuclear program. They noted that Putin
has been saying more of the right things lately.
--------------
OSCE/Frozen Conflicts
--------------
11. (C) A/S Jones outlined Russian recalcitrance on
fulfilling Istanbul commitments for withdrawal from Moldova
and Georgia. On the edge of an enlarged Europe, Russia was
acting like the old Soviet Union. The Russian MFA is the
main problem, and the EU needs to let Putin know that Europe
is concerned about this behavior. Castellaneta agreed, and
noted that Berlusconi will have two opportunities to do this:
at a planned Berlusconi-Putin meeting in Sochi at the end of
July, and at the Rome EU-Russia summit in November.
--------------
Galileo
--------------
12. (C) A/S Jones agreed with Baldocci's and Castellaneta's
assertion that technical work should continue on Galileo, but
said that political-level decisions will be essential to
solving this issue. A/DCM (ECMIN) noted that time is
limited; the issue needs to be resolved during the Italian
Presidency, before the December Transport Council meeting.
He said that US-Italy talks in Rome this week did not appear
to have made much progress. Castellaneta agreed, and
promised to personally engage on this issue.
--------------
Defense Industrial Cooperation
--------------
13. (C) Castellaneta said that Italy wanted to strengthen
bilateral defense industrial cooperation with the US, but he
argued that Italy is not getting the same return on its
investment in the Joint Strike Fighter program as other
participants. The Agusta-Westland helicopter sale is
extremely important to Italy, and he underlined Italy's view
that it is not getting the same access to US technology as
other close Allies. A/S Jones said A/S Bloomfield is working
intensively on a technology transfer policy; she would convey
Italy's concerns in Washington, but was not aware of any
categorization by country.
--------------
Turkey
--------------
14. (C) A/S Jones noted that Turkish FM Gul would be in
Washington the following week for meetings, including with VP
Cheney. The USG applauds the new laws passed in Ankara, but
now the time has come to implement reforms on human rights,
prison conditions and use of the Kurdish language. Baldocci
promised to ask the Italian Embassy in Washington to contact
the State Department with EU Presidency points on Turkish
reform and Turkey's EU aspirations.
15. (U) A/S Jones has cleared this cable.
Sembler
NNNN
2003ROME03388 - Classification: CONFIDENTIAL