CZECHS SAY YES TO IRAQ RESOLUTION, AND NO TO SWISS

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 001573 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/02/2015 TAGS: PREL PARM EZ UNSC UNGA SUBJECT: CZECHS SAY YES TO IRAQ RESOLUTION, AND NO TO SWISS UNSC REFORM REF: A. STATE 201053 ¶B. STATE 199305 Classified By: Poloff Sarah C. Peck for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary. The Czechs are grateful the U.S. shared the text of the draft Iraq resolution at an early stage, and are optimistic the resolution will pass. On the Swiss proposal for reform of the UNSC working methods, the Czechs will oppose it. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) Pol-Econ Chief and Poloff met on Nov. 3 with Jan Kara, Director, and Ivana Grollova, both of the Czech MFA's UN Department, to discuss the draft Iraq UNSCR text and the Swiss proposal for reform of the UNSC working methods (reftels). Emboffs also met separately with Miloslav Stasek, Director, and Pavel Mrazek, both of the Middle East and Africa Department. -------------- Iraq UNSCR text: no surprises -------------- ¶3. (C) On the draft Iraq resolution, Kara thanked the U.S. for sharing at an early stage. He said that while the Czechs have no concrete suggestions on the resolution, they agree with the process and the substance of the resolution as drafted. He predicted the resolution would pass because it contains no surprises, stays within the existing framework, and the need to prolong the UN mandate in Iraq is inevitable. Stasek concurred with Kara, noting the resolution is needed. Both also noted that Parliament is currently debating the 2006 deployment bill, which includes extension of the 100 Czech troops currently in Iraq, and that progress towards the new UNSCR will facilitate the vote (although the GOCR is confident the bill will pass in any event). -------------- Swiss UNSC Reform: no support -------------- ¶5. (C) Kara was unaware of the Swiss proposal, and felt certain the Swiss had not formally approached the Czechs. He said the Swiss were &nave8 to advocate UNSC reform without first talking with &important partners8 like the U.S., and thought the proposal would not receive serious consideration from member countries. He confirmed the Czechs would not support the proposal. CABANISS