Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07HELSINKI86
2007-02-09 11:42:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Helsinki
Cable title:
FINLAND: REACTION TO GAERC DEMARCHE
how-toVZCZCXRO3038 PP RUEHAG RUEHDF RUEHIK RUEHLZ RUEHROV DE RUEHHE #0086 0401142 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 091142Z FEB 07 FM AMEMBASSY HELSINKI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2951 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE RUEHNY/AMEMBASSY OSLO 4672 RUEHRK/AMEMBASSY REYKJAVIK 0277
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
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
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