DECEMBER GAERC: FRENCH POSITIONS CLOSE TO U.S.'

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 004670 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/06/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV EUN IR IZ IS BM SU KV FR SUBJECT: DECEMBER GAERC: FRENCH POSITIONS CLOSE TO U.S.' REF: STATE 164327 Classified By: Political Minister-Counselor Josiah Rosenblatt for reaso ns 1.4 b and d. ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: On December 8, PolOff delivered reftel demarche to MFA CFSP Deputy (DAS-equivalent) Emmanuel Cohet, who provided the following responses in advance of the December GAERC meeting of EU foreign ministers: ¶A. KOSOVO: Cohet said that the U.S. and France share an approach, fully supporting the Troika's efforts but opposing further negotiations. He said the Ahtissari plan has always been very important for France, including its provisions for minority rights. He stated that the EU must work very closely with the UN and in close coordination with the U.S. He noted that France has made EU unity a priority throughout discussions of a future ESDP mission, its legal basis, and recognition of an independent Kosovo. ¶B. IRAN: Cohet stated that given the extent of U.S.-French bilateral discussions on Iran, which are generally in synch, we know each other's positions well. He expressed special agreement that moving forward with autonomous EU actions would send a strong message to Tehran of the international community's unity and determination. ¶C. ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN PEACE PROCESS: Cohet expressed thanks for the Annapolis conference, which he described as an important moment of true progress. He agreed that now is a real opportunity for further progress. He noted the French also expect broad international attendance at the Palestinian Donors' Conference, which he said is a contribution to continuing forward momentum from the Annapolis meeting. Without going into the detail of the non-paper, he said French analysis is convergent with ours. ¶D. SUDAN: Cohet agreed that implementation of the CPA is very important. ¶E. BURMA: Cohet concurred that recent signals from the junta have not been very positive. He said the international community must maintain a strong momentum, noting the December 1 joint editorial by President Sarkozy and British PM Brown in the International Herald Tribune. He stated that the international community must focus on the Burmese political process, while reflecting that if positive developments occur, we must be prepared to engage Burma more positively, perhaps with diminished sanctions. He agreed the junta is "not there yet." ¶2. (SBU) Cohet stated that Iraq and Pakistan would not be discussed. Please visit Paris' Classified Website at: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm STAPLETON