ROMANIA STATEMENT; NAC POINT DELIVERED

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUCHAREST 000639 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/11/2023 TAGS: NATO PARM KCFE RU GG RO SUBJECT: ROMANIA STATEMENT; NAC POINT DELIVERED REF: STATE 85678 Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Jeri Guthrie-Corn; Reasons 1.4(b ) and (d). ¶1. (U) The Supreme Council for National Defense (CSAT) met on August 9 to review Romania's position on the events occurring in Georgia. President Basescu presided over the discussion that released the following statement: "The evolution of the frozen conflicts in the Caucasus and Black Sea Basin areas are a continuing concern of the foreign policy of our nation. Romania has drawn attention repeatedly to the risks that these conflicts pose to regional security. Regarding the situation in Georgia, Romania reaffirms the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of that state. Romania calls on all parties to act reasonably by immediately ceasing hostilities, and to create real conditions for negotiations that will guarantee peace and stability in the region. Romania will align itself with the efforts of the international community to find a political solution to the crisis in Georgia. Accordingly, within the framework of this meeting, the CSAT decides that the relevant institutions should be prepared for evacuating Romanian citizens from Georgia as the situation merits." ¶2. (C) On August 11, Polmiloff delivered reftel demarche to MFA Acting-Director for Security Policy (NATO) Daniel Ionita, urging Romania's support for a strong NAC statement condemning Russian actions in Georgia. Ionita said that the MFA was currently operating under the guidance from the CSAT, but was very appreciative of the U.S. points, which would be entered into Romania's calculations for the NAC discussion. ¶3. (C) Comment: It is noteworthy that the CSAT statement only mentioned Georgia and neither Ossetia or Russia. Such careful wording reflects as much of a heightened sense of concern over what precedents could be set regarding the frozen conflict closer to home in Transnitria, as it reflects caution about Russian sensibilities. As in all things involving Russian activities among the Black Sea littoral states, it touches Romania where it feels the most exposed. End Comment. TAUBMAN