FRENCH AGREE ON IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING REFORM

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 007340 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/09/2016 TAGS: NATO PREL MOPS UP FR SUBJECT: FRENCH AGREE ON IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING REFORM EFFORTS IN UKRAINE REF: STATE 180222 Classified By: A/DCM JOSIAH ROSENBLATT FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) French DAS-equivalent for Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, Aurelia Bouchez, confirmed on November 3 that France would continue strongly to support reform efforts in the Ukraine, particularly in the defense field. Bouchez noted that although France in theory was in favor of a NATO membership track for Ukraine, the GOF believed that discussion of NATO membership would be counter-productive at this time. ¶2. (C) Not only had Ukraine made clear it did not want to pursue MAP at this time, Bouchez said, but Russia's reactions to Intensified Dialogue with Georgia had further complicated the issue. As a result, Ukraine saw NATO as a zero-sum game in terms of its relations with the West and with Russia. Western countries, Bouchez noted, had to present Euro-Atlantic integration to the Ukrainians not as an alternative, but a complement, to positive engagement with Russia. ¶3. (C) Poloff clarified that U.S. intentions are to protect and promote Ukraine's long-term prospects for NATO membership and to educate Ukranians about the positive aspects of eventual accession. Bouchez said she understood the U.S. approach, but that France preferred to avoid discussing NATO membership, while at the same time encouraging reforms. She said that Alliance members needed also to be more alert to Russia's reactions of a NATO member on its border, particularly when unresolved conflicts persisted. ¶4. (C) Post also shared points on November 8 with the MFA's Strategic Affairs Bureau, which handles NATO issues, among others. We were informed that they might have additional feedback later on France's perspective on Ukraine-NATO relations. Please visit Paris' Classified Website at: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm STAPLETON