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