Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
07HELSINKI772 | 2007-10-11 13:55:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy Helsinki |
1. (U) PolChief delivered subject demarche to Finnish MFA EU Correspondent Leena-Kaisa Mikkola Oct. 11. Mikkola offered the following: 2. (SBU) KOSOVO: Mikkloa said the GOF is focused now on ensuring that legal and logistical mechanisms are in place to ensure a continuing international presence in Kosovo following Dec. 10 and the expected Kosovar unilateral declaration of independence. The GOF fully shared our views on all demarche points. 3. (SBU) RUSSIA: Finland remains very frustrated with the lack of forward movement on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement mandate, stalled since the Russian-Polish meat export dispute derailed conclusion of a deal during the Finnish presidency. However, FM Ilkka Kanerva will likely raise the issue, given the important role an EU-Russia PCA plays within Finland's own national foreign policy toward Russia. Overall, the GOF shares the generally expressed opinions view that expectations for this Summit should remain low, given that EU-Russia relations "are not exactly in top form right now." 4. (SBU) LIBYA: The GOF is pleased that trans-Atlantic efforts appear to be producing results in Libya. Signs have emerged, however, that Libya is "not enthusiastic" about some of the obligations it agreed to (i.e., in the area of Human rights) when it entered into Barcelona Process cooperation with the EU. Nevertheless, the EU will continue cooperation with Libya and welcomed the Secretary's announced visit there, Mikkola said. 5. (SBU) Briefly on IRAN, Mikkola said that the Luxembourg GAERC will not result in "new, defined EU autonomous sanctions." However, many member states are interested in exploring that possibility and there may be some "indication of a way forward" after FM Kouchner briefs the GAERC. 6. (SBU) SYRIA-LEBANON BORDER: Mikkola was somewhat optimistic about the future of this issue, given that Syria appeared to be showing much more flexibility than previously toward the border mission. Finland, like other MS, is awaiting the results of the EU's fact-finding mission, but is hopeful that the mission will occur and will likely make a small contribution of border monitors when and if it comes together. WARE |