FINLAND: REACTION TO GAERC DEMARCHE

UNCLAS HELSINKI 000086 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/ERA AND EUR/NB E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV EUN SR BK IR AF FI SUBJECT: FINLAND: REACTION TO GAERC DEMARCHE REF: STATE 13840 ¶1. (U) Poloff spoke with Finnish officials at the MFA and in the Prime Minister's Office on February 6 and obtained the following reaction to certain issues likely to arise at next week's GAERC meeting. Iran -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The GoF agrees that following the conclusions of the last GAERC, the EU should move forward quickly to implement UNSCR 1737. Asset freezing and revocation of banking licenses of some financial institutions will be discussed at the upcoming meeting. Finland is already reviewing any Iranian assets in Finnish banks. The MFA opined that expanding cessation of export credits beyond those indicated in UNSCR 1737 is more complicated, and that EU members have different views on the efficacy and/or ability to do this. The GoF is encouraged by recent signs of dissent among some domestic elements who seem to fear the Iranian regime in engaging in brinkmanship with the international community. Afghanistan -------------- ¶3. (SBU) The Finns expect the EU plan to create a new police training mission to be approved; whether the plan will be funded as fully as hoped is another matter. FM Tuomioja will push for full funding at the meeting and has indicated that Finland will participate in the initiative. Finland will also participate in an EU-Russia counternarcotics initiative aimed at beefing up border security and cutting off narcotics smuggling routes at identified choke points. Kosovo/Serbia -------------- ¶4. (SBU) The GoF fully supports UN Special Envoy Ahtisaari's recommendations. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Rehn (a Finn) will visit Serbia Feb. 7-8 to urge Belgrade to form a new government as quickly as possible and to participate fully in negotiations. The Finns expect the GAERC to produce a strong statement in support of Ahtisaari. Sudan -------------- ¶5. (SBU) The GoF agrees that it is time for Bashir to follow through on his commitments. The January 22 GAERC conclusions clearly stated the EU's readiness to forcefully support full implementation of all phases of UNSCR 1706. HYATT