Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07PARIS4636
2007-12-04 18:02:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Paris
Cable title:
SARKOZY SENDS WARM CONGRATULATIONS TO PUTIN ON
how-toVZCZCXRO3372 OO RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHFR #4636 3381802 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 041802Z DEC 07 FM AMEMBASSY PARIS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1365 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW IMMEDIATE 6014 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 004636
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
EUR FOR DAS DAVID KRAMER, EUR/RUS, AND FRANCE DESK
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/04/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV RS FR
SUBJECT: SARKOZY SENDS WARM CONGRATULATIONS TO PUTIN ON
DUMA ELECTIONS
Classified By: POLITICAL MINISTER-COUNSELOR JOSIAH ROSENBLATT FOR REASO
NS 1.4 (B) AND (D)
C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 004636
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
EUR FOR DAS DAVID KRAMER, EUR/RUS, AND FRANCE DESK
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/04/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV RS FR
SUBJECT: SARKOZY SENDS WARM CONGRATULATIONS TO PUTIN ON
DUMA ELECTIONS
Classified By: POLITICAL MINISTER-COUNSELOR JOSIAH ROSENBLATT FOR REASO
NS 1.4 (B) AND (D)
1. (C) Damien Loras, Deputy Diplomatic Advisor for the
Americas, Russia, Balkans, Caucuses, and Central Asia, told
POL M/C on December 4 that, as reported in the press,
President Sarkozy had indeed called and warmly congratulated
President Putin on the Duma elections. Terming Sarkozy and
Putin friends, Loras said Sarkozy called Putin as one
statesman to another. The GOF, he added, is not seeking to
conceal the conversation.
2. (C) Loras explained that while Sarkozy understands that
there were electoral irregularities and violations, he also
believes that the Russian people love Putin. Sarkozy
believes France must acknowledge that Putin has significant
support in Russia or the GOF risks losing credibility
vis--vis Russia. (Note: The French MFA has publicly taken
note of the irregularities and called on Russia to
investigate.)
3. (C) This is not a major shift in French policy, Loras told
us. The reality, he said, is that we need to learn to live
with Putin because he will wield considerable power in Russia
for years to come.
4. (C) Loras noted that Sarkozy made the call despite
contrary advice from his staff.
Please visit Paris' Classified Website at:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm
STAPLETON
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
EUR FOR DAS DAVID KRAMER, EUR/RUS, AND FRANCE DESK
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/04/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV RS FR
SUBJECT: SARKOZY SENDS WARM CONGRATULATIONS TO PUTIN ON
DUMA ELECTIONS
Classified By: POLITICAL MINISTER-COUNSELOR JOSIAH ROSENBLATT FOR REASO
NS 1.4 (B) AND (D)
1. (C) Damien Loras, Deputy Diplomatic Advisor for the
Americas, Russia, Balkans, Caucuses, and Central Asia, told
POL M/C on December 4 that, as reported in the press,
President Sarkozy had indeed called and warmly congratulated
President Putin on the Duma elections. Terming Sarkozy and
Putin friends, Loras said Sarkozy called Putin as one
statesman to another. The GOF, he added, is not seeking to
conceal the conversation.
2. (C) Loras explained that while Sarkozy understands that
there were electoral irregularities and violations, he also
believes that the Russian people love Putin. Sarkozy
believes France must acknowledge that Putin has significant
support in Russia or the GOF risks losing credibility
vis--vis Russia. (Note: The French MFA has publicly taken
note of the irregularities and called on Russia to
investigate.)
3. (C) This is not a major shift in French policy, Loras told
us. The reality, he said, is that we need to learn to live
with Putin because he will wield considerable power in Russia
for years to come.
4. (C) Loras noted that Sarkozy made the call despite
contrary advice from his staff.
Please visit Paris' Classified Website at:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm
STAPLETON