Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07PRAGUE131
2007-02-09 15:43:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Embassy Prague
Cable title:  

CZECHS ON THE FEBRUARY 12-13 GAERC

Tags:  PREL PGOV ETRD EUN YI SR BK AL IS IR AF SO 
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VZCZCXRO3524
PP RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHROV RUEHSR
DE RUEHPG #0131 0401543
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 091543Z FEB 07
FM AMEMBASSY PRAGUE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8561
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0209
RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 1817
C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000131 

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

EUR/NCE FOR ERIC FICHTE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/08/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV ETRD EUN YI SR BK AL IS IR AF SO
SU, KPAL, EZ
SUBJECT: CZECHS ON THE FEBRUARY 12-13 GAERC

REF: A. STATE 13840


B. STATE 15811

C. PRAGUE 0130

Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor Mike Dodman
for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000131

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

EUR/NCE FOR ERIC FICHTE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/08/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV ETRD EUN YI SR BK AL IS IR AF SO
SU, KPAL, EZ
SUBJECT: CZECHS ON THE FEBRUARY 12-13 GAERC

REF: A. STATE 13840


B. STATE 15811

C. PRAGUE 0130

Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor Mike Dodman
for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (U) Poloff met with MFA CFSP Director Vaclav Balek on
February 9 to discuss the February 12-13 GAERC. The
discussion was focused on Kosovo/Serbia and the Middle East.
Czech policy remains unchanged.


2. (SBU) On Kosovo/Serbia, the Czechs will press for EU unity
in support of Ahtisaari's proposal at the GAERC, and are
optimistic the EU will remain united. Balek believes Serbia's
decision to appoint a delegation to negotiate in Vienna on
Kosovo's end status is a positive sign. With regard to SAA
talks, the Czechs will continue to call for flexibility on
the terms for restarting SAA talks with Serbia. Balek said it
is important for the EU to emphasize to Serbia that there is
no link between the commencement of SAA talks and the
negotiation for Kosovo's end status.


3. (C/NF) On the Middle East Peace Process, the Czechs think
the draft GAERC conclusions on the Middle East Peace process
will be clear, concise, and balanced (reflecting the more
balanced approach being taken by the German presidency). The
conclusions are expected to welcome recent efforts by Fatah
and Hamas to form a national unity government. Balek said
some EU member states have advocated for a moderate stance on
the Palestinian government, but the Czechs will not recognize
any government that does not expressly accept the Quartet
principles.


4. (SBU) Iran will be a top priority at the GAERC. Balek said
the foreign ministers' discussion will follow two tracks: (1)
Iran's nuclear program, and (2) Iran's efforts to destabilize
the region. On the nuclear program, the Czechs support
increasingly tough sanctions because they believe sanctions
are creating pressure for Ahmedinejad, and may provide
arguments for opposition groups in Iran to cooperate with the
West.


5. (U) Post has reported Czech views on the state of the Doha
Development Agenda (Ref B) separately (Ref C).
GRABER