SLOVENIA IN ADVANCE OF OCTOBER GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L LJUBLJANA 000692

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/29/2015
TAGS: PREL KDEM KPAL SI
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA IN ADVANCE OF OCTOBER GAERC

REF: SECSTATE 177048

Classified By: COM Thomas B. Robertson for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

1.(C) Pol/Econ Chief discussed reftel points with MFA EU
Correspondent Peter Grk September 28. Grk reiterated
Slovenia's consistent position on Turkey and Croatia, saying
that while Austria was striving to make a linkage, Slovenia
was not. Slovenia did, however, hope the EU would be able to
make a positive announcement about the opening of accession
talks with Croatia. Grk thought that any statement from
Carla Del Ponte after her visit to Croatia would have great
influence on the next steps by the EU. On Kosovo, Grk said
the EU would need to see the report of UNSYG Special Rep. Kai
Eide before deciding on how to move the process forward.

2.(C) Grk agreed with our points on Russia and the
importance of encouraging it to play a constructive role with
its neighbors. He said trying to work with Belarus was a
real challenge since it is difficult to find a constructive
way in. He shared our concerns on Uzbekistan and explained
some of the measures the EU was prepared to take as a result
of Andijon and lack of an independent investigation in its
aftermath. Slovenia, in particular, is familiar with the
challenges of working with Uzbekistan as FM Rupel's special
OSCE Representative to Central Asia, Alojz Peterle, had so
much trouble getting a visa to visit in the wake of Andijon.
Grk will be interested to hear a readout of A/S Fried's visit
to the region.


3. (C) Grk said he expected serious debate on the MEPP at
the GAERC and Quartet meeting. He anticipated a good
statement would result which would be important in helping to
keep the process dynamic. Grk was aware of the request for
financial support from the BMENA fund, but he could not say
if Slovenia would be able to make a contribution in addition
to what the EC might do.
ROBERTSON


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2005LJUBLJ00692 - Classification: CONFIDENTIAL



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