Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BRUSSELS1660
2008-10-28 11:09:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Brussels
how-toVZCZCXRO6574 RR RUEHAG RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHBS #1660 3021109 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 281109Z OCT 08 ZDK FM AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8162 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RUEHVJ/AMEMBASSY SARAJEVO 0042
C O N F I D E N T I A L BRUSSELS 001660
SIPDIS
STATE PASS EUR/SCE MIKE FOOKS AND ANNA STINCHCOMB
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/22/2018
TAGS: PGOV BK EU BE
SUBJECT: BELGIUM:ENGAGING EU ON BOSNIA
REF: STATE 113894
Classified By: Political Economic Counselor Richard Eason for Reasons 1
.5 (B) and (D)
C O N F I D E N T I A L BRUSSELS 001660
SIPDIS
STATE PASS EUR/SCE MIKE FOOKS AND ANNA STINCHCOMB
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/22/2018
TAGS: PGOV BK EU BE
SUBJECT: BELGIUM:ENGAGING EU ON BOSNIA
REF: STATE 113894
Classified By: Political Economic Counselor Richard Eason for Reasons 1
.5 (B) and (D)
1. (C) MFA Director for Southeast Europe Luc Liebaut provided
to POLOFF October 27, an informative and lengthy readout of
European thinking on Bosnia. Liebaut said the EU and Belgium
were largely in agreement over the main points in reftel
demarche, with a slightly nuanced view of the 5-Plus-2
agenda, and two critiques of demarche points.
2. (C) POINTS OF AGREEMENT: Liebaut said the EU would like to
see the continuation of the Office of the High Representative
(OHR) for a short time period, likely through March. The EU
would be satisfied by a rough adherence to the 5-Plus-2
agenda, a transition to a European Special Representative
(EUSR) based on the Stability Association Agreement, and
maintaining the military mission until after the OHR - EUSR
transition. Liebaut argued that the EUSR mechanism and its
"guided integration process" was the best course for Bosnia's
future; the EU would be able to help the three communities
focus on what is necessary to achieve EU membership, rather
than the political gamesmanship and ethnic pandering
currently endemic in Bosnian politics. The EUSR would be
able to issue "yellow cards" by implicating those individuals
slowing the EU integration process. On the 5-Plus-2 agenda,
the last remaining issues are a solution for the Brcko region
and a positive political assessment. The MFA notes that an
opinion is subjective, and the Muslim insistence on a return
of all refugees might not be possible.
3. (C) QUESTIONS AND CRITIQUES: Liebaut asked why the U.S. is
opposed to constitutional changes before completion of the 5
2 agenda. From the European perspective, constitutional
changes can be made if the Bosnian people wish. Indeed the
EU believes that constitutional reform must occur; Bosnia
must find a more effective structure to move towards EU
integration. On the critique side, Liebaut said that the
multiple demarche points against Dodik, versus one for
Silajdzic, was inappropriate. The current political problems
rest with both leaders, not five to one Dodik.
.
SIPDIS
STATE PASS EUR/SCE MIKE FOOKS AND ANNA STINCHCOMB
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/22/2018
TAGS: PGOV BK EU BE
SUBJECT: BELGIUM:ENGAGING EU ON BOSNIA
REF: STATE 113894
Classified By: Political Economic Counselor Richard Eason for Reasons 1
.5 (B) and (D)
1. (C) MFA Director for Southeast Europe Luc Liebaut provided
to POLOFF October 27, an informative and lengthy readout of
European thinking on Bosnia. Liebaut said the EU and Belgium
were largely in agreement over the main points in reftel
demarche, with a slightly nuanced view of the 5-Plus-2
agenda, and two critiques of demarche points.
2. (C) POINTS OF AGREEMENT: Liebaut said the EU would like to
see the continuation of the Office of the High Representative
(OHR) for a short time period, likely through March. The EU
would be satisfied by a rough adherence to the 5-Plus-2
agenda, a transition to a European Special Representative
(EUSR) based on the Stability Association Agreement, and
maintaining the military mission until after the OHR - EUSR
transition. Liebaut argued that the EUSR mechanism and its
"guided integration process" was the best course for Bosnia's
future; the EU would be able to help the three communities
focus on what is necessary to achieve EU membership, rather
than the political gamesmanship and ethnic pandering
currently endemic in Bosnian politics. The EUSR would be
able to issue "yellow cards" by implicating those individuals
slowing the EU integration process. On the 5-Plus-2 agenda,
the last remaining issues are a solution for the Brcko region
and a positive political assessment. The MFA notes that an
opinion is subjective, and the Muslim insistence on a return
of all refugees might not be possible.
3. (C) QUESTIONS AND CRITIQUES: Liebaut asked why the U.S. is
opposed to constitutional changes before completion of the 5
2 agenda. From the European perspective, constitutional
changes can be made if the Bosnian people wish. Indeed the
EU believes that constitutional reform must occur; Bosnia
must find a more effective structure to move towards EU
integration. On the critique side, Liebaut said that the
multiple demarche points against Dodik, versus one for
Silajdzic, was inappropriate. The current political problems
rest with both leaders, not five to one Dodik.
.