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