DANISH VIEWS ON MARCH EU GAERC MINISTERIAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L COPENHAGEN 000198 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV ENRG EUN DA SUBJECT: DANISH VIEWS ON MARCH EU GAERC MINISTERIAL REF: STATE 23592 Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor Bill Mozdzierz, reasons 1.4b,d ¶1. (C) Danish MFA EU correspondent Nicolaj Hejberg Petersen reviewed for us the agenda for the March 5-6 GAERC and other issues outlined in reftel, indicating broad agreement with U.S. positions. Petersen welcomed our constructive approaches to energy and climate issues, which he described as high priorities for the Danish government and this upcoming meeting. He observed that positive signals from the U.S. augur well for good cooperation between the U.S. and the EU. ¶2. (C) The Western Balkans are not likely to be a major issue at next week's GAERC, Petersen remarked, while noting Danish agreement with U.S. points on Bosnia and Serbia. With negotiations ongoing in Vienna, the GAERC will probably say little about Kosovo. Denmark remains firmly in support of Ahtisaari, Petersen stated. There are evident divisions among EU members regarding how far to go in providing the Serbs with face-saving measures, he said, but such differences should not be exaggerated. The Russians are obviously another matter, Petersen noted with a grimace.. ¶3. (C) The Danish government is very pleased with our active engagement on the Middle East peace process in recent weeks, Petersen remarked. U.S. leadership is essential. Although Denmark shares the view that the Palestinian unity government absolutely must respect Quartet principles, Petersen observed that these principles place us in "something of a box" by requiring concessions in advance. Recognition of Israel may be something Hamas could eventually accept, Petersen opined, but perhaps only in the course of a negotiation and not as a starting point. ¶4. (C) Denmark will continue to push within the EU for the strongest possible measures against Iran in accordance with 1737, Petersen pledged. There are signs that international pressure may be having an effect, he said, and we cannot ease up. Petersen expressed full Danish support for new UNSC sanctions, provided that unity of the Security Council can be maintained. ¶5. (C) Sudan is another top priority for Denmark, Petersen stressed, and the Danish government will continue to support all efforts (sanctions, an eventual "Plan B") to induce Bashir to live up to his commitments. Petersen reported that the EU has determined that it can use development assistance to support AMIS, and that individual member state contributions will also be considerable. Petersen said that he understands that Germany will be able to provide around 20 million euros, while Denmark can provide 1.3 million euros, perhaps a bit more. KAISER