GEORGIA: BRAZILIAN VIEWS ON SITUATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRASILIA 001183 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/BSC AND EUR/CARC GEORGIA COORDINATION GROUP E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/05/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV BR SUBJECT: GEORGIA: BRAZILIAN VIEWS ON SITUATION REF: A. STATE 91894 ¶B. STATE 90980 ¶C. STATE 90978 ¶D. STATE 89769 Classified By: Political Counselor Stephen Liston, Reason: 1.5 d. ¶1. (C) Post has held a series of discussions with the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations (MRE) using the points and themes contained in reftels. Consistent with its normal practice, the Brazilian government has avoided taking a strong position on a situation distant from Brazil's borders, although privately Brazilian officials are concerned both by the violence and the apparent ineffectiveness of the UN. MRE officials have stated clearly that there is no chance Brazil will recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia unless such recognition were to be consistent with a Security Council Resolution. While Brazil will continue to avoid public condemnation of Russia's disproportionate use of force, MRE views the Russian action as excessive and contrary to Russia's interest in integrating with its European neighbors. Brazil will continue to support a peaceful resolution of the conflict, consistent with UNSCRs and will also maintain its support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. ¶2. (C) The MRE also showed a willingness to accept Russian linkage of Georgia to Kosovo. While they accepted post's explanation that there are such key differences as the UN resolutions affirming Georgian sovereignty while leaving Kosovo's status open and the fact that Russian meddling in Georgia predates the Kosovo crisis, some perception remains that the U.S. and Europe gave Russia greater pretext to intervene in Georgia by recognizing Kosovo independence. ¶3. (C) COMMENT: Concurrent with MRE's concern about Russian actions, the Brazilian government continues its efforts to develop a "Strategic Partnership" with Russia. The Lula administration views Russia as having many similar attributes to Brazil; both are large developing countries with vast natural resources. Partnership (and presumed equality) with Russia will help lift Brazil to what it would perceive as the first rank of developing countries and solidify a status as a major world power which Brazil views as its destiny. Given these perceived Brazilian interests, Brazil will continue to expand its relationship with Russia but will view such enhancement as entirely separated from events in Georgia. When asked if the Georgia situation had been considered before the spectacularly ill-timed announcement this week that President Medvedev will visit Brazil in November, MRE contacts responded that there was no reason why Russia's actions should affect an ongoing process of building bilateral ties. END COMMENT KUBISKE