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