SLOVAKIA'S PRE-GAERC POSITIONS DECEMBER 2006

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRATISLAVA 000954

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/08/2010
TAGS: PREL PARM PHUM IS LE IR TU CH AF KPAL EU LO
SUBJECT: SLOVAKIA'S PRE-GAERC POSITIONS DECEMBER 2006

REF: A. STATE 194456

B. STATE 195044

C. BRATISLAVA 925

Classified By: DCM Lawrence R. Silverman for reason 1.4 b and d.


1. (C) China Arms Embargo: In response to ref A points,
Drahomir Stos, Head of the Asia and Oceana Division of the
MFA's Fourth Territorial Department, told us that the MFA
treats the China arms embargo as a political issue, not a
security one. Slovakia believes that it is not the right
moment to lift the embargo. Slovakia strongly supports the
positions of its closest Transatlantic and Asian
partners--the U.S. and Japan. Stos further said Slovakia and
other EU members are very appreciative of recent U.S.-EU
dialogue on this sensitive issue, which has been held in the
spirit of partnership rather than preaching. Slovakia
defends France's right to raise the issue for healthy,
internal debate. However, Stos warned that it is very
dangerous to let China know the positions of individual
member states. The EU must present a united front and make
it clear the Chinese cannot make partial bargains with single
countries.


2. (C) China Arms Embargo, cont: Stos further said that
Slovakia does not raise human rights issues in its bilateral
dialogue with China. Instead, the relevant EU groups carry
the water on this issue. He also said the arms embargo had
been somewhat effective in reducing the role of the military
in Chinese society since Tiananmen, although more needs to be
done. He said that certainly the China arms embargo would
eventually be lifted, the EU is on that path. From
Slovakia's perspective, three conditions must be satisfied:
--It is the right political atmosphere, meaning that internal
conditions in China are right and the move would not threaten
Taiwan.
--There is a strong control mechanism (obligatory code of
conduct).
--There is an understanding with partners, particularly the
U.S. and Japan.


3. (C) Turkey's EU Accession (ref B): Further to her
conversation with DCM (ref C),Anna Turenicova, Director of
the MFA's CFSP Department, briefed PolecChief on lead
negotiator for Turkey Ali Babacan's visit to Slovakia.
Foreign Minister Kubis had previously had very good meetings
with the Cypriot foreign minister, and had great sympathy
toward Cyprus's positions. Turenicova opined that the visit
by Babacan was therefore very useful in enabling Kubis to
have a balanced view. Kubis gave a strong message to
Babacan, saying that if Turkey wants to be a member of the
club, the country must work hard to fulfill all criteria.
Elites who know the long-term benefits of reforming and
joining must also work hard to influence public opinion.
Turenicova expected that 6-8 chapters of the Acquis would
likely be frozen, but Slovakia supported forging ahead with
all the others and continuing the process of accession for
Turkey.


4. (C) Western Balkans/EU enlargement: Slovakia hopes the
conclusions on enlargement will be as generous as possible,
holding out promise to aspiring countries. Slovakia views
"absorption capacity" as an internal issue the EU must deal
with, not as an excuse to put obstacles in the way of other
countries that might qualify to join. The only specific
comment that EU correspondent Alexander Micovcin had was that
Slovakia opposed continuing with SAA for Serbia as a
"motivational tool." FM Kubis did not want to "reward"
Kostunica's recent intransigent behavior. SAA should be
delayed at least six months, perhaps longer.


5. (C) Israel-Palestinian Issues: Micovcin said the ministers
will hear Solana's report but will not issue conclusions. He
appreciated the detailed non-paper, and said he would make
sure PolDir Lajcak read it before he briefed EU Ambassadors
on 12/6.


6. (C) Iran and Lebanon: As a member of the UNSC, Slovakia is
taking an active role in discussions in New York. There is
no disagreement with U.S. positions, only questions of how to
proceed.


7. (C) Afghanistan: PM Fico continues to consider NATO's
request to transfer Slovak troops within Afghanistan.
Slovakia supports the idea of an ESDP mission in Afghanistan,
as long as it does not take any resources away from Kosovo.

VALLEE