SLOVAKIA: STANCE ON KOSOVO, RESPONSE TO GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRATISLAVA 000651 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/ERA, EUR/NCE E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/07/2017 TAGS: PREL EU LO SUBJECT: SLOVAKIA: STANCE ON KOSOVO, RESPONSE TO GAERC DEMARCHE REF: STATE 164327 STATE 163945 Classified By: Ambassador Vincent X. Obsitnik for reasons 1.4 b and d ¶1. (C) PolEcon Chief discussed reftel points with MFA EU Correspondent Alexander Micovcin on December 7. Micovcin described the preparations for the December 10 GAERC and December 14 Summit as "chaotic," noting that a special COREPER had been convened today to hammer out unresolved issues prior to the GAERC. Kosovo will be a top priority for the GOS in both meetings and Micovcin noted that Foreign Minister Kubis would be drafting his Kosovo talking points himself. Separately, British Ambassador Michael Roberts (please protect) told the DCM that the EU had been unable to reach a consensus on the draft Kosovo conclusions for the Summit and that Ministers would be tasked with hammering out differences at the GAERC. According to Roberts, Slovakia has objected to language which notes the need to take steps forward toward a settlement now. Romania, meanwhile, objects to the draft's description of the situation in Kosovo as "unsustainable" and the Dutch disagree with the characterization of the EU's role in Kosovo as "leading." Cyprus has other objections. Roberts also showed us a letter from the EU members of the Contact Group to the Portuguese FM describing the present situation as "unsustainable." ¶2. (C) Micovcin said that the GOS had lobbied unsuccessfully for language in the Kosovo conclusions regarding the need to protect religious minorities, but was pleased that the text included reference to the "sui generis" nature of the Kosovo situation. Although Micovcin alluded to the fact that the GOS took issue with a "few elements" of the current text, he was reticent about providing further detail. (Comment: Now we better understand why. End Comment.) He predicted that the Kosovo discussion at both the GAERC and the Summit would be quite tough as the question of how the EU would define "unity" on the issue was as yet unresolved. (Comment: While we continue our own efforts to steer the Slovaks in a constructive direction on Kosovo, we agree with our British colleagues who (reluctantly) suggested to us today that it may be useful for the French to weigh in with the Slovaks, if they are willing. The Sarkozy government is making an effort to strengthen its relations with Slovakia and the two sides are planning Sarkozy's visit here in early Spring. End Comment.) ¶3. (C) On Iran, Micovcin echoed what we had heard earlier this week from Political Director Buzek, i.e., that the GOS believes the international community must maintain a unified and tough approach on Iran. He suggested that the Iran NIE could be a factor in EU deliberations on additional measures, but confirmed Slovak support for such measures as well as the designation now of Bank Melli and Bank Saderat. ¶4. (C) On Burma, Micovcin confirmed Slovakia's willingness to support additional, targeted sanctions. He did not know, however, whether the EU discussion would extend beyond a review of recent diplomatic efforts to consideration of possible financial measures. OBSITNIK