SLOVENIA IN ADVANCE OF SEPTEMBER 1-2 GYMNICH

UNCLAS LJUBLJANA 000620

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KPAL SI
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA IN ADVANCE OF SEPTEMBER 1-2 GYMNICH

REF: STATE 153187


1. Pol/Econ Chief discussed reftel points on August 25 with
Peter Grk, the European Correspondent in the Dept. of
European Integration and Economic Relations.

Turkey: Grk said it would be hard to imagine that the EU
would set new conditions at this point for opening talks with
Turkey, but he did expect there to be some very lively
debate. In a separate meeting on August 29 with visiting
Senator Tom Harkin, FM Rupel predicted that linkage between
Croatia and Turkey would be made and there would be some
horse trading on the two accounts.

Middle East: Slovenia is encouraged by the relative
peacefulness of the Gaza pullout. Grk said Special Rep.
Wolfensohn, who he described as "doing a great job" would be
briefing the EU Gymnich on progress in the region.

Western Balkans: Grk said that Kosovo would dominate the
Western Balkans discussion and he expected Croatia would come
up as well. He said Slovenia was "on the same page" as the
U.S. vis a vis the ICTY and Gotovina, Mladic and Karadzic.

Iraq: While Iraq was not on the Gymnich agenda, Grk expects
it will come up, given the informal nature of these meetings.

Iran: Grk suggested Iran would be a key topic in Wales and
beyond - he thinks it will dominate the Autumn agenda
particularly since Iran did not accept the EU's recent offer
on Iran's nuclear program.
COLEMAN


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2005LJUBLJ00620 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED



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