SLOVAKIA: DCM REINFORCES KOSOVO, IRAN POINTS WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRATISLAVA 000665 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/NCE, EUR/SCE E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/14/2017 TAGS: PARM PREL LO IR SUBJECT: SLOVAKIA: DCM REINFORCES KOSOVO, IRAN POINTS WITH DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER REF: STATE 165486 STATE 165967 Classified By: Ambassador Vincent Obsitnik for Reasons 1.4 b and d ¶1. (C) Summary. DCM reinforced reftel points on Kosovo and Iran in a December 11 meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Diana Strofova. On Iran, Strofova echoed the message we have heard often from our MFA contacts: the international community should maintain a strong and unified stance on Iran non-compliance with its UN and IAEA obligations. She stressed, however, the need to take into account the unsettled atmosphere in Iran and to avoid sanctions that would negatively impact the population. On Kosovo, Strofova underscored the need for the U.S., Europe and Russia to maintain close coordination and good communication on Kosovo. She also highlighted the urgent need to provide concrete assistance, not only symbolic gestures, to the Balkan states to support their transition and further integration. End Summary. ¶2. (C) DFM Strofova thanked the DCM for the frequent consultations between the USG and GOS on Kosovo. Citing protests in Kosovo and concerns that the situation on the ground was growing more volatile, Strofova reiterated GOS support for putting an ESDP mission in place as soon as possible. Strofova mentioned concern among Europeans about Russia's reaction to the Kosovo situation, but suggested that Russia was becoming "sensitized" to the reality. She believes that Russia is frustrated, however, because it cannot affect the outcome and is concerned about Kosovo's precedential effects. DCM assured Strofova that the U.S. continues to engage constructively with Russia on Kosovo, but pressed back on the issue of precedence. Noting that the U.S., unlike Russia, supports the line that Kosovo is "sui generis," the DCM argued that an active and constructive approach on the part of the international community can help ensure that Kosovo does not become a precedent. On the other hand, while Russia complains about the Kosovo precedent, it is encouraging certain steps in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. ¶3. (C) With respect to Iran, Strofova agreed that nothing in the estimate would suggest the need for a new approach on the part of the international community to Iran. Iran is, quite simply, ignoring UN resolutions and its obligations under the IAEA, Strofova said. Strofova concurred that the credibility of the UNSC and IAEA needed to be protected by continued pressure on Iran. She added, however, that we should also look carefully at "possible instruments" to move the Iranians toward a transparent, responsible approach. Strofova observed that the internal situation in Iran is becoming more tense, and the people were feeling the pressure from the country's growing isolation. As we consider new measures, we should try to understand the "mindset" of the region and remain mindful of potential humanitarian impacts, Strofova concluded. The DCM stressed that sanctions would continue to be targeted and that the Iranian leaders -- not the international community -- were responsible for the economic difficulties the country faced, as well as the country's isolation. OBSITNIK