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.

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Iraq UNSCR text: no surprises
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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).

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Swiss UNSC Reform: no support
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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