CZECHS ON MAY 14-15 GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000532 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/10/2017 TAGS: EUN ETRD KPAL PREL XG IS IR AF EZ SUBJECT: CZECHS ON MAY 14-15 GAERC Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor Mike Dodman for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary: At the upcoming GAERC, the Czechs continue to (1) support independence for Kosovo (and privately expressed concern to Poloff about the possible impact on EU should the U.S. act unilaterally),(2) call for the Palestinian government to adopt the Quartet Principles, (3) seek solutions to the Iranian nuclear program issue, (4) hope for a successful outcome to the EU-Russia Summit, and (5) support EU efforts to stabilize Sudan. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) Poloff met with Director of the CFSP Department Vaclav Balek to discuss the May 14-15 GAERC. Balek said the GAERC agenda will focus primarily on the Balkans, MEPP, Iran, the EU-Russia Summit, and Sudan. ¶3. (C) The Czech position on the Balkans remains unchanged. Balek expressed concern that a "huge problem" could divide the EU if the United States acts unilaterally in the event the UNSC does not recognize independence for Kosovo. ¶4. (C/NF) On MEPP, the Czech position on the National Unity government remains unchanged: the Czech government continues to urge compliance with Quartet Principles. The Czechs also support the German presidency's proposal to meet in an EU troika format with Arab League to discuss issues concerning the MEPP. ¶5. (C) On Iran, the German presidency has proposed another approach to the Iran nuclear issue: develop an international nuclear fuel cycle program that could manufacture and sell nuclear fuel safely. The program could include numerous states as members, including Iran. There are no details yet, but the Czechs are interested in learning more. ¶6. (SBU) The Czechs see the May 18 summit as an important opportunity to improve EU relations with Russia, an important partner. Balek said the German presidency has made relations with Russia a priority; he did not believe that the Portuguese presidency will focus on the relationship. ¶7. (SBU) The Czechs continue to support EU initiatives and assistance in Sudan. GRABER