CZECHS ON JULY 17 GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000806

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
NOFORN

EUR/NCE FOR ERIC FICHTE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/13/2016
TAGS: PREL UN EUN YI MW SR BO IR IZ KPAL SU CG
EZ
SUBJECT: CZECHS ON JULY 17 GAERC

REF: A. STATE 114605

B. PRAGUE 00744

Classified By: Acting Political-Economic Counselor
Karen C. Reider for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: At the July 17 GAERC, the Czechs expect the
focus to be on the Middle East and the Balkans. The Czechs
are strong supporters of USG policy in both regions. Of
particular note, outgoing Czech FM Cyril Svoboda plans to
take a tough stand in support of Israel during the debate on
the GAERC conclusions on the Israel/Palestine conflict. The
Czechs consider the current draft "unbalanced" because it is
critical of Israeli actions without recognizing Palestine's
role in the conflict or Israel's right of self defense. End
summary.


2. (SBU) Poloff met July 13 with the new Director of the
Czech MFA's CFSP Department Vaclav Balek, to discuss the July
17 GAERC and deliver ref A talking points.

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Middle East
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3. (C) On the Israel/Palestine conflict, Balek said the
Czechs support the U.S. position. The Czechs are concerned
that the EU's draft resolution, which is critical of Israel's
recent actions, is unbalanced. The Czechs want to amend the
resolution with language that recognizes Israel's right to
defend itself, urges all parties involved to consider the
consequences, and holds Palestine responsible for its role in
the conflict. Balek expects FM Cyril Svoboda to take a tough
stand at the GAERC in support of amending the resolution.


4. (C) On Iraq, the Czechs agree the EU must play a role in
security and reconstruction efforts. Balek said there seems
to be EU consensus on this point. The only question is how
the EU should engage with Iraq.

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The Balkans
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5. (C) Balek said the Czechs generally support the USG
position on Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. On
Macedonia, the Czechs will urge the EU to continue the
dialogue on possible EU accession.


6. (C) On Serbia, the Czechs agree ICTY compliance is
important, but are also sympathetic to the difficulties
facing Serbia (ref B). The Czechs will urge the EU to view
Serbia in a "comprehensive" way, and look for ways to offer
support and encouragement.


7. (C) On Kosovo, the Czechs continue to believe a final
status will need to be imposed on Kosovo(ref B).

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Africa
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8. (C) Balek said Africa is not a high priority for the
Czechs, and is not likely to be in the near future.
Therefore, they plan to follow the lead of their EU partners.
On Sudan, he said the EU supports the UN peacekeeping
mission. However, EU support for NATO involvement is a
controversial issue that can be resolved only at the highest
levels.


9. (C) On Congo, the Czechs have nominated two people to
serve as election monitors with the EU mission.

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Comment
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10. (C/NF) Balek, a key Embassy contact and a 2006 IV Program
participant, has replaced Petr Kaiser as Director of the CFSP
Department. In his last assignment, Balek was a smart,
pragmatic, and reliable Deputy Director of Security Policy.
We expect continued excellent cooperation with the Czechs in
the future on CFSP issues.
CABANISS