DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON APPROACHING THE EU IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L NICOSIA 000533

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/07/2016
TAGS: PREL ECON ETRD
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON APPROACHING THE EU IN
ADVANCE OF THE APRIL 10 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING (GAERC)

REF: SECSTATE 53022

Classified By: Ambassador Ronald L. Schlicher; Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Poloff delivered reftel demarche on April 7 to
relevant action officers at the MFA. Charalambos
Hajdisavvas, who handles the Middle East portfolio in the
Political Affairs Division, stressed EU support for Syria's
continued isolation and highlighted the EU's decision to
freeze its proposed Association Agreement with Damascus.
With regard to the Middle East Peace Process, Hadjisavvas
expressed concern that Hamas has further damaged its
reputation within the international community by its
rejection of the Quartet's three principles of nonviolence,
recognizing Israel, and accepting all previous agreements and
obligations, including the Roadmap for Peace. He repeated
the EU's continued support for the Roadmap.


2. (C) Elena Rafti, who handles the Balkans in the MFA's
European Affairs Division stated that the EU supports the
U.S. position that Belgrade and Pristina should be encouraged
to continue constructive dialogue. She anticipates the EU
will continue to play a leading role in Kosovo following a
decision on status. Rafti also stressed the EU's support for
EU and NATO membership for the Western Balkans.
SCHLICHER