Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05ROME2372
2005-07-15 11:53:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Rome
Cable title:  

ITALIAN PREVIEW OF THE JULY 18-19 GAERIC

Tags:  EAID IR LE PREL SY TU UZ IT UN 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 002372 

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/15/2015
TAGS: EAID IR LE PREL SY TU UZ IT UN
SUBJECT: ITALIAN PREVIEW OF THE JULY 18-19 GAERIC

REF: STATE 124856

Classified By: Labor Counselor Putnam, for reasons 1.4 (B)(D).

C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 002372

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/15/2015
TAGS: EAID IR LE PREL SY TU UZ IT UN
SUBJECT: ITALIAN PREVIEW OF THE JULY 18-19 GAERIC

REF: STATE 124856

Classified By: Labor Counselor Putnam, for reasons 1.4 (B)(D).


1. (C) Italian MFA EU Office Director Luigi Mattiolo
provided Laborcouns July 14 with a review of the EU Political
Directors meeting in Bath, England regarding the July 18-19
GAERIC and responded to reftel points. Mattiolo said the
Bath meeting was held in the shadow of the London bombings
with a renewed awareness of European vulnerabilities to
terrorist attack.


2. (C) Turkey: Although Turkey is on the agenda, Mattiolo
did not expect any significant discussion beyond a review by
the UK Presidency of its intention to continue with plans to
begin accession talks on October 3. The real discussions of
how to handle Turkey in the wake of the French/Dutch "no"
votes on the EU Constitution would likely take place in the
September Gymnich or in an "extraordinary" European Council
meeting, perhaps in November (after German elections).
Mattiolo said that Italy remains committed to supporting
Turkey's candidacy and noted FM Fini's successful trip to
Ankara this week.


2. (C) UN/HLE: Italy supports U.S. development goals for
the Millennium Review and agrees that a "quck-fix" will not
provide required solutions. On UN reform, Mattiolo
reiterated Italy's delight in the U.S. position on the G-4
Security Council proposal and broad support for other reform
goals. However, Mattiolo noted that all of the reform plans
represented "a lot of meat on the barbecue" and wondered if
there was a sufficient dynamic at the UN to sustain the
enthusiasm needed to approve and implement these plans.


3. (C) Syria/Lebanon: The draft GAERIC statement, Mattiolo
said, was a work in progress but he expected it would welcome
the new government in Lebanon, urge continued reforms and
press for full implementation of UNSCR 1559 (including
disarmament of all militias). It would also condemn the
recent Hizballah attacks on Israel. Ministers would look
forward to Larson's briefing on Syria, would strongly urge
the SARG to stop the flow of foreign fighters through Syria
to Iraq and close Palestinian rejectionist group offices in
Damascus. On the Syrian Association Agreement, Mattiolo
expected the EU to say that only positive Syrian actions
could allow the EU to deepen relations with Syria.


4. (C) Iran: Mattiolo said there would be no written
conclusions on Iran. There was extensive discussion in Bath,
however, about the recent election and a recognition that the
new Iranian government was particularly fragile at this time.
Opinions were divided but the optimists hoped that a
conservative government with a strong mandate could make
difficult foreign policy decisions to cooperate. Overall,
there was disappointment with the election results and
agreement to judge Iran its actions. Mattiolo said that
Italy remained more skeptical than some members on prospects
for success. On the nuclear issue, there was also agreement
that Iranian resumption of uranium conversion work would stop
the EU reconciliation process. The EU package included three
aspects: nuclear (with more sticks than carrots); political
(with a focus on human rights and anti-terrorism dialogue)
and economic (which would be carried out by both the EC and
UK/Germany/France). Mattiolo noted that the Russians had
made a positive contribution by linking their suspension of
fuel supplies to renewed negotiations. He also commented
that the French believe this EU model of outreach toward Iran
could provide a positive precedent for dealing with other
states on counter-proliferation initiatives.


5. (C) Uzbekistan: Mattiolo predicted the GAERIC statement
would: condemn Uzbekistan's continuing refusal to cooperate
on an international investigation of events at Andijon;
continue suspension of the Partnership Agreement; and urge
that all EU members in discussions with the Uzbek government
raise ongoing human rights/refugee concerns. There would be
no mention of an arms embargo because of the concern of the
impact of an embargo on how "some states" operate military
bases in Uzbekistan to support operations in Afghanistan. At
the same time, Mattiolo expected the possibility of an
embargo would deter EU states from selling arms and this may
force the Uzbeks to agree to an international investigation.
Italy urged EU funding for programs targeting civil society
to increase support for development and democracy.


6. (C) Zimbabwe: The GAERIC statement will support a UK
draft condemning continued population displacement and
housing demolitions and questioning the government's pledge
to protect civilian populations.


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2005ROME02372 - Classification: CONFIDENTIAL