SLOVAKIA WILL MAINTAIN A DIALOGUE WITH SYRIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRATISLAVA 000783 SIPDIS SIPDIS EUR, NEA E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/17/2012 TAGS: PREL PTER USUN SY LE LO SUBJECT: SLOVAKIA WILL MAINTAIN A DIALOGUE WITH SYRIA REF: SECSTATE 150032 Classified By: Ambassador Rodolphe Vallee as per E.O. 12958 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Continued dialogue with Syria, both in Damascus and New York, is an important way for Slovakia to demonstrate that it is an independent and fair-minded member of the UNSC, according to Ambassador Klara Novotna, Deputy Director of the 4th Territorial District and Head of the Middle East Division (and formerly head of Slovakia's UN Mission). ¶2. (C) Poloff discussed reftel demarche with Novotna on September 25. Novotna said Slovakia would continue to consult with the U.S. on all matters that come before the UNSC, including Syria, but that it is also important for Slovakia to be and appear to be an independent actor on the UNSC. Novotna affirmed that the EU considers Syria a relevant actor in the quest for a comprehensive settlement of Middle East issues, and further that all such actors deserve to be heard. SLovakia maintains an embassy in Damascus (which also handles Lebanon). FM Kubis met with FM Muellin in New York. ¶3. (C) We will press the case for a tough Slovak message when engaging the Syrians. FM Kubis had told us earlier that Syria should have met its obligations per UNSCR 1559 and 1680 a long time ago. VALLEE