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. -------------- Middle East -------------- ¶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. -------------- The Balkans -------------- ¶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). -------------- Africa -------------- ¶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. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶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