A/S FRIED MEETING WITH POLISH U/S WASZCZYKOWSKI

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 002197

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

PASS TO EUR/FO: E. MESSMER, EUR/NCE: B. PUTNEY

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/02/2022
TAGS: NATO OSCE EUR
SUBJECT: A/S FRIED MEETING WITH POLISH U/S WASZCZYKOWSKI


Classified By: Assistant Secretary Daniel Fried for reasons 1.5 (b) and
(d)


1. (C) Summary: Assistant Secretary Fried met with Polish
Under Secretary Witold Waszczykowski on 11/30/07 on the
margins of the 11/29-30/2007 Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial in Madrid.
Waszczykowski said that while Poland does plan troop level
reductions in Iraq, they will not likely occur before mid
2008 and may not result in a complete withdrawal. The GoP
plans to have a presence in Iraq for at least one more year,
if not longer. The GoP will determine its troop reduction
plan in the next few months and will evaluate options for
staying engaged in Iraq, including the possibility of
staffing the NATO training mission. Waszczykowski also
commented that, with respect to the Annex to the Missile
Defense agreement, the GoP will be reasonable and not insist
on all of the items listed. However, if Poland is assured
that the U.S. has a contingecy plan to provide assistance and
defend the proposed base, it can reduce the Annex
requirements. Waszczykowski also said that the GoP would like
to start discussions with the military on possible items to
purchase for the base. Poland's new Foreign Minister, Radek
Sikorski, is planning to engage with several countries in the
coming weeks. FM Sikorski has a meeting planned with Germany
on December 6, and is planning a meeting with Russian Deputy
Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak soon after. Sikorski also
plans to meet with France and the Czech Republic, and would
like to visit the U.S. in February 2008 with new Prime
Minister Donald Tusk. Waszczykowski also offered that the GoP
is in a position to have a dialogue with both Cuba and Iran.
Waszczykowski communicated the GoP's appreciation for being
invited to Annapolis. Finally, Waszczykowski asked for an
off-the-record discussion regarding energy supply
diversification. End Summary.


Iraq Drawdown
--------------

2. (C) During the first half of 2008, there will not be any
significant changes in Polish troop levels in Iraq. The GoP
will be discussing the details of its drawdown in the next
few months, and will likely reduce troop levels in the second
half of 2008. The GoP will implement PM Tusk's campaign
pledge to pull out of Iraq, but may not withdraw completely.
The GoP will evaluate options for remaining engaged in Iraq,
including the possibility of staffing the NATO training
mission and other options. Waszczykowski said he expects
Poland to have a presence in Iraq for at least one more year.



Annex to Missile Defense Agreement
--------------

3. (C) The GoP recognizes that the requirements it included
in the Second Annex to the Missile Defense agreement are
substantial. However, Waszczykowski said that "Poland is not
so stubborn as to want everything on the list." The more the
GoP knows about U.S. contingency plans to provide assistance
and defend the proposed base, the more willing it will be to
reduce the Annex requirements. Also, Waszczykowski did
indicate that the GoP would like to start discussions with
the military on purchasing items for the base. Waszczykowski
said Poland is "open to compromise."


Engagement with Germany,Russia,France,Czech Rep. & the U.S.
-------------- --------------

4. (C) Poland's new Foreign Minister, Radek Sikorski, is
planning meetings with several countries in the coming weeks.
FM Sikorski's first scheduled meeting is with Germany on
December 6. If time permits, FM Sikorski may go to Germany
right after the ministerial meeting. Sikorski is also
planning to meet with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei
Kislyak soon after his Germany meeting. The meeting place is
yet to be determined, but may take place in Moscow.
Waszczykowski also said that the Russian government appears
willing to invite PM Tusk to Moscow for a meeting. Meetings
are also being planned for the foreign ministries of France
and the Czech Republic. Waszczykowski also shared that PM
Tusk and FM Sikorski would like to visit the United States,
and proposed doing so in early February.


Offering Dialogue with Cuba, Iran
--------------

5. (C) Waszczykowski was glad to report that the government
of Cuba has not/not been blocking the activity of the Polish
Ambassador. The Cuban government has been responsive to the
GoP, according to Waszczykowski. When asked by A/S Fried,
Waszczykowski said that the GoP also talking with Cuban
dissidents as well. Waszczykowski mentioned the prospect of
the GoP having a dialogue with Cuba. Similarly,
Waszczykowski said that the GoP can "talk with" Iran as well.


Appreciation for Annapolis Invitation
--------------

6. (C) Finally, Waszczykowski shared the GoP's appreciation
for being invited to attend the Annapolis Conference. The GoP
considers the invitation a "good signal" of Poland's
contributions. FM Sikorski was able to speak at the plenary
and participated fully in the conference. He was also able
to meet with several foreign ministers from the Middle East,
including the FM of Saudi Arabia.
AGUIRRE