SLOVENIA VIEWS ON MAY 23 GAERC

UNCLAS LJUBLJANA 000330

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS SI
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA VIEWS ON MAY 23 GAERC

REF: SECSTATE 90085


1. Pol/Econ Chief delivered reftel talking points to Peter
Grk of the MFA's Office for European Integration and Ales
Balut of the Western Balkans Department on May 17.
Slovenia's position on ESDP has not changed since our last
discussion and Grk expressed the GoS' sincere desire, as a
small country with a small military, to avoid duplication of
work by the EU and NATO. Grk appreciated our points on Sudan
but did not have anything specific to add to the
conversation. Pol/Econ Chief reiterated the U.S. position on
the China Arms Embargo emphasizing that the May 23 meeting
between the U.S. and EU would not be a negotiating session.
Grk suggested that the meeting was a good sign and hoped that
some mutually agreeable solution to the current disagreement
could be found.


2. As always, the GoS was interested in engaging on the
Balkans. Balut, of the Western Balkans department, welcomed
the idea of a lessons learned session on the handover of SFOR
duties to the EU. When asked by pol/econ chief if, one year
into its membership, Slovenia felt it had influence on EU
thinking on the Balkans, the answer was decidedly
affirmative. Balut and Grk both suggested that older members
of the EU respected Slovenia's experience and understanding
of the region and were almost relieved to have the burden of
this problem shifting towards a new member. Balut added that
the GoS would be very interested in sharing views on the
future of OHR and reform of the Bosnian Police and Defense
forces.
HAAS


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2005LJUBLJ00330 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED



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