ESTONIA: PRE-GAERC DEMARCHE DELIVERED

UNCLAS TALLINN 000836 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UN EN YI SR BO IR IZ UP KPAL SU CG, MW, EN SUBJECT: ESTONIA: PRE-GAERC DEMARCHE DELIVERED Ref: (A) STATE 150777 (B) STATE 151189 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. Pol/Econ Chief discussed reftel points on Iran and other GAERC agenda items with Kristina Meius, the MFA's European Correspondent, ON September 13. Meius noted there are "no surprises" on the GOE's position on the agenda items. She provided feedback on the following issues: ¶2. (SBU) Iran: The GOE supports the role of the UNSC in resolving the nuclear issue and reiterated GOE regret that Iran has not utilized the EU3+3 to make progress. The international community must stand united with a clear message on Iranian compliance. The GOE is also concerned about the human rights situation in Iran. ¶3. (SBU) Iraq: The GOE welcomes progress in forming the International Compact with Iraq. It is important that Iraqis have ownership of the International Compact and that the process be inclusive. Estonia will attend the September 18 UNGA Compact briefing, however, it is not likely the FM will participate. ¶4. (SBU) Middle East Peace Process: GOE believes there must be a comprehensive settlement with a negotiated two-state solution and that the EU has an important role to play in this process. UNIFIL needs to be strengthened and UNSC 1701 should be fully implemented. ¶5. (SBU) Sudan: The GOE is concerned about the deterioration of the situation in Sudan and condemns the violation of the ceasefire by the parties. The GOE has provided $64,700 in assistance to Sudan. ¶6. (SBU) Congo: The GOE hopes Solana will brief the Council about his September 11-12 trip to the Congo. The GOE is looking forward to an orderly conclusion of the election process, and would welcome progress on confidence building and a reduction in tension between the two candidates. Estonia has provided four election observers in the Congo. ¶7. (SBU) Western Balkans: The GOE expects a short discussion on the western Balkans before the Council adopts Conclusions. Estonia sent one election observer to Montenegro, and believes the elections were peaceful and in accordance with international standards. The GOE hopes the new government will begin to work on the European reform agenda and would welcome the re-launch of Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) negotiations. With respect to Bosnia, the GOE hopes to see more effort on constitutional reforms and plans to send two election observers. On Kosovo, the GOE supports Ahtisaari's objective of concluding the status process this year. (Note: Meius added that while the Council would discuss this, "everyone knows there will be no outcome.") WOS