GOF ENVIRONMENT MINISTER CONFIRMS TO AMBASSADOR THE

UNCLAS HELSINKI 000995

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON SENV ENRG EU PREL FI
SUBJECT: GOF ENVIRONMENT MINISTER CONFIRMS TO AMBASSADOR THE
HLD DATE AND CO-CHAIR PARTICIPATION



1. (SBU) Summary: Ambassador Ware met with Environment
Minister Enestam on September 27 to discuss the upcoming
High Level Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy and
Sustainable Development (HLD),which he confirmed would take
place on October 24-25. Enestam also confirmed he will co-
chair the meeting with Trade and Industry Minister
Pekkarinen (energy portfolio). EU Commissioner Dimas will
likely not attend because he is scheduled to address the EU
Parliament; DG Environment Carl will likely attend in his
place. In addition to the HLD, Enestam also briefly raised
the importance of engaging Russia on environmental issues,
particularly the Gulf of Finland. End Summary.

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HLD
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2. (U) Ambassador Ware and Enestam agreed that including
high level energy representatives is helpful in orientating
future discussion about climate change. Enestam stated that
energy and climate change discussions "need to go hand-in-
hand" if we are to have success together. Enestam expressed
that the HLD would be a highlight for the GOF EU Presidency
and that he was personally eager to work with the U.S. to
make it a success. Enestam also said we need to develop
"transitory solutions" such as carbon capture and clean
fuels.


3. (U) Enestam shared a copy of the tentative annotated
agenda for the HLD (sent separately),noting that they tried
to cover all three areas with a balanced approach. The
Finns are hoping to see tangible results from the HLD, such
as formation of a working group to set standards for vehicle
emissions. Enestam said they were planning several joint
press conferences that they expected to be well attended by
the European media. Enestam stated the Finns hope to
produce a joint statement on the facts from the meeting
(Comment: MFA sources have said they hope to release only
the agreed-upon agenda. End comment) The Finns also hope to
announce a date and venue for a follow-up HLD meeting in

2007.

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Engaging Russia on Environment
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4. (SBU) Enestam commented on the prolonged challenges of
engaging Russia on environmental issues that have a regional
impact and that the EU-Russia Summit (November 23-24) would
hopefully provide a good forum for action. The EU is hoping
to discuss with Russia a number of environmental issues such
as biodiversity, renewable energy, and the possibility of
pollution in the Gulf of Finland from shipping accidents.

WARE