CZECHS SUPPORT U.S. POSITION ON TURKEY/EU ACCESSION

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 001437 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2016 TAGS: PREL EUN EZ SUBJECT: CZECHS SUPPORT U.S. POSITION ON TURKEY/EU ACCESSION REF: STATE 189542 Classified By: DCM Cameron Munter for reasons 1.4 b+d ¶1. (C) Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Tomas Pojar told DCM November 24 that the Czech Republic supports the USG position that the upcoming European Council meeting not reach any conclusions that could lead to a break in Turkish-EU accession negotiations. Pojar noted that Foreign Minister Vondra had argued in both public and private for the EU to take a constructive approach that would maintain the negotiations, and he would continue to do so. He added, however, that it was important for Ankara to "do something" to also show its commitment. ¶2. (C) Pojar disagreed that the both the Cypriots and the Greeks are pushing for a harsh EU position at the upcoming Council meeting. Pojar accompanied Czech President Klaus to Athens earlier this week. Pojar said he had been seated at a lunch between the Greek Prime Minister and the Finance Minister, and that both made clear that their government does not want to shut the door to Turkey, although they were being pushed very hard in this direction by the Cypriots. Pojar said he left Athens convinced that the Greek government believes it would be a mistake for the EU to take steps that result in negotiations being suspended. GRABER