ESTONIA: PRE-GAERC DEMARCHE DELIVERED

UNCLAS TALLINN 000943 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UN EU YI SR BO SU CG IS LE IR IK UP, KPAL, GG, EN SUBJECT: ESTONIA: PRE-GAERC DEMARCHE DELIVERED Ref: (A) STATE 170214 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. Pol/Econ Chief discussed reftel points on GAERC agenda items with Kristina Meius, the MFA's European Correspondent, on October 16. Meius provided feedback on the following issues: ¶2. (SBU) Iran: The GOE is concerned about recent statements coming from Iran and supports an active role for the UN in resolving this crisis. While the International community should not hurry towards sanctions, continued postponement will diminish the effectiveness of Security Council decisions. The international community must send a message to Iran that it comply with its obligations and that its efforts to split the international community will not be successful. ¶3. (SBU) Middle East Peace Process: The GOE is concerned about recent clashes between Fatah and Hamas as well as President Abbas' statement that dialogue with Hamas has been suspended. The GOE believes that a lasting resolution can only be reached via political dialogue and implementation of the Roadmap. A military solution will not bring the desired results. The GOE believes that extension of TIM was a good decision and that the Palestinian Authority must fulfill the conditions necessary for international cooperation. With respect to Lebanon, the GOE believes that UNSCR 1701 is an important precondition for maintaining peace in the region. ¶4. (SBU) Sudan: The GOE is concerned about the deterioration of the situation in Sudan; the level of violence has reached a critical level. Active diplomatic action is necessary in order to ensure the Government of Sudan meets UNSCR 1706. In order to influence Sudan, contacts with key countries should be used and a strong message from the U.S., Russia, and China is important. The GOE supports extending EU civilian/military support to AMIS through the end of the year. ¶5. (SBU) Zimbabwe: The GOE is concerned about the deterioration of the economic and social conditions in Zimbabwe and the resultant humanitarian crisis. This is impacting neighboring countries and slowing economic growth in the region. The EU is the main donor in Zimbabwe and its role in finding a solution to the problem is extremely important. ¶6. (SBU) Western Balkans: The GOE believes the parliamentary elections in Bosnia went well and were conducted in accordance with international standards. The Government of Bosnia needs to continue its efforts on constitutional and police reforms that will allow them to finalize Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) negotiations with the EU. The GOE supports Ahtisaari and his conduct of the political process in determining Kosovo's future status and welcomes and supports planning underway for an ESDP mission to Kosovo. With respect to Serbia, the GOE believes Serbian integration with the EU is extremely important and calls on Serbia to continue the necessary reforms including cooperation with ICTY. ¶7. Georgia: FM Paet is likely to take an active role in the lunch discussion on Georgia. The GOE supports the actions of the Troika and believes that Russia clearly over-reacted and aggravated the situation. The EU should insist to Russia that force or the threat of force is unacceptable and that Russian military forces in Georgia and on the border with Georgia must return from "operational readiness" back to normal status. The EU must require Russia to end the blockade of Georgia, and activities directed at Georgia, including repression of Georgians in Russia, and call on Russia to restore normal diplomatic communications with Georgia. On the other hand, Georgia must refrain from behaving in ways that provoke Russia. The GOE believes the EU should be prepared to provide financial support to help Georgia if Russia establishes a total blockade (i.e. energy). ¶8. (SBU) North Korea: The GOE condemns North Korea's nuclear test which jeopardizes regional peace and security. North Korea must fully implement the non- proliferation treaty and UNSCR 1695 and return to the Six Party Talks. WOS