SLOVENIA PUBLICLY REAFFIRMS READINESS TO ENTER

UNCLAS LJUBLJANA 000412 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS EUR/NCE, EUR/RPM E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KCFE NATO PARM PREL SUBJECT: SLOVENIA PUBLICLY REAFFIRMS READINESS TO ENTER ADAPTED CFE TREATY REF: A. SECSTATE 77371 ¶B. LJUBLJANA 382 ¶C. LJUBLJANA 312 ¶1. (SBU) Ministry of Foreign Affairs Security Policy Office Director Stanislav Vidovic told PolMilOff June 14 that the GOS would publicly reaffirm its desire to join the Adapted Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty when possible (as requested in reftel a). He said that he hoped this would help bring a positive tone to the current discussions in Vienna. ¶2. (U) The statement posted on the MFA's website (www.mzz.gov.si) and released to the media is as follows: BEGIN STATEMENT. The Extraordinary Conference of the States Parties to the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE) The Extraordinary Conference of the States Parties to the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE) is being held in Vienna from 12-15 June 2007. The Conference represents an opportunity for the continuation of dialogue among States Parties. The CFE, signed in November 1990, has established a balance between the then existing blocs. Due to the changing security environment, the Adapted CFE Treaty was signed in November 1999. The Adapted CFE Treaty will enter into force after ratification by its signatories. Although Slovenia is not a party to the CFE, it considers the Treaty as the cornerstone of European security and stability. Slovenia is party to a number of political and legal instruments in the area of arms control, disarmament, and confidence and security building measures. Slovenia is fully aware of their importance and the need for their continued implementation. On several occasions, Slovenia has expressed its readiness to request accession to the Adapted CFE Treaty after its entry into force and remains committed to do so. END STATEMENT. ROBERTSON