CZECHS ON JANUARY 22-23 GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000051

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

EUR/NCE FOR ERIC FICHTE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/18/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV ENRG EAID MARR EUN YI SR BK IS IR
SO, SU, KPAL, EZ
SUBJECT: CZECHS ON JANUARY 22-23 GAERC

REF: A. STATE 5256


B. STATE 5640

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


1. (SBU) Summary. At the January 22-23 GAERC, the Czechs
expect the focus to be on Kosovo, Iran, Sudan, and Somalia.
Czech policy continues to closely track U.S. policy in these
countries. The foreign ministers will also discuss the EU
neighborhood policy (the Czechs welcome a renewed focus on
Eastern Europe),and EU energy policy (the Czechs expect
difficult discussions and no major policy change at the
upcoming GAERC). End summary.


2. (SBU) Poloff met January 19 with Czech MFA CFSP Director
Vaclav Balek to discuss the January 22-23 GAERC.


3. (C) On Kosovo, Balek said the Czechs support U.S. policy
and EU efforts to help Serbia cope with the possibility of
losing Kosovo. The foreign ministers will discuss at lunch on
Monday what the EU can do once the new Serbian government is
in place (assuming it is a government the EU wants to work
with). In view of the importance of keeping the EU
perspective alive for Serbia, EU member states will discuss
whether it makes sense to continue delaying SAA talks pending
full ICTY compliance, or whether the EU should begin talks
without strict compliance, but delay ratification until ICTY
compliance is confirmed.


4. (SBU) On EU neighborhood policy, the Czechs welcome the
German presidency's efforts to focus on Eastern Europe, in
particular, Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia.


5. (C/NF) On Iran, the Czechs strongly support the EU
proposal to impose restrictions on Iran in addition to those
imposed by UNSCR 1737. Balek noted that Italy and Spain
oppose such restrictions, as they interfere with the
interests of Italian and Spanish businesses.


6. (SBU) On the Middle East Peace Process, the Czechs welcome
the German presidency's efforts to invigorate the Quartet
principles. Balek mentioned the possibility that some member
states are calling for greater flexibility on this issue.


7. (SBU) On Iraq, Balek doubted Iraq policy would be
discussed. However, he expressed the view that the U.S. is
right not to withdraw its troops.


8. (SBU) On EU energy policy, Balek predicted difficult
discussions ahead, and doubted any new substantive initiative
would be adopted at the GAERC.


9. (SBU) On Sudan and Somalia, the Czechs do not plan any
future involvement in either country, but support EU efforts
to find funding for UN and/or African troops.
GRABER