Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BUDAPEST1855
2007-11-16 16:06:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Budapest
Cable title:  

HUNGARIAN COMMENTS IN ADVANCE OF NOVEMBER'S EU

Tags:  PREL PGOV HU 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO8497
PP RUEHAG RUEHROV
DE RUEHUP #1855 3201606
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 161606Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY BUDAPEST
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2208
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L BUDAPEST 001855 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/ERA AND EUR/NCE MARC NORDBERG

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/16/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV HU
SUBJECT: HUNGARIAN COMMENTS IN ADVANCE OF NOVEMBER'S EU
FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING (GAERC)

REF: SECSTATE 156474

Classified By: P/E Officer John McGuire; Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUDAPEST 001855

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/ERA AND EUR/NCE MARC NORDBERG

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/16/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV HU
SUBJECT: HUNGARIAN COMMENTS IN ADVANCE OF NOVEMBER'S EU
FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING (GAERC)

REF: SECSTATE 156474

Classified By: P/E Officer John McGuire; Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Andras Dekany, Head of MFA's EU Relations and Crisis
Situations Section, provided Embassy the GoH views on several
reftel agenda items for the upcoming EU Foreign Ministers'
meeting November 19-20. Beginning with the Chinese arms
embargo issue, Dekany believes this will not be an agenda
item. Asked as to Hungary's views on the issue, he noted
that Hungary supports lifting the embargo, but at the same
time, would work for consensus within the EU. Related to the
upcoming EU-Africa summit and the invitation to Zimbabwe's
President Mugabe, Dekany commented that the President is on
the EU visa ban list. Noting that only one member State
would have to oppose the invitation, Dekany said this is an
issue that the Permanent Representatives should resolve.
Highlighting the "diplomatic dancing" taking place, Dekany
said Hungary supports the Portuguese President's efforts for
a successful summit.


2. (C) On Kosovo, the GoH believes the issue should be
discussed in the UN Security Council after the December 10
deadline. Emphasizing previous comments on Kosovo, Dekany
stated Hungary will look for EU and NATO consensus on
Kosovo's independence. Dekany stated that for the EU mission
to play a meaningful role in the region there must be a
"legal and financial basis" for EU activities post December

10. He stressed the importance of providing Serbia
incentives, such as potential EU candidate status and visa
facilitation. Concerning Bosnia, Dekany emphasized Hungary's
strong support for High Representative Lajcak as well as the
importance of maintaining the Bonn powers.


3. (C) On Iran, having an opportunity to only briefly review
the most recent IAEA report, Dekany commented "the situation
doesn't change much, this is not a good sign, and we are not
that optimistic." He stressed "it is most important that the
partners remain together on the issue, maintaining support
for the P3 group and trans-Atlantic partnership." Dekany
noted Hungary believes that economic sanctions also provide a
dynamic vehicle to help maintain consensus.


4. (C) Dekany went on to mention that this morning, November
16, the MFA received a "draft action plan" on the Middle
East. Currently analyzing the draft to prepare the Foreign
Minister for next week's GAERC, Dekany commented it doesn't
add much. He stated Hungary supports the planned Annapolis
summit, but looks to a detailed post-summit process that EU
can support.
FOLEY