HUNGARIAN VIEWS ON BOSNIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUDAPEST 001025 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SCE MIKE FOOKS AND ANNA STINCHCOMB AND EUR/CE JAMIE LAMORE E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/27/2018 TAGS: PGOV EU BK HU SUBJECT: HUNGARIAN VIEWS ON BOSNIA REF: SECSTATE 113894 Classified By: P/E Counselor Eric Gaudiosi, reasons 1.4 (b and d) ¶1. (C) Summary. Sharing U.S. concerns on the current political situation in Bosnia Hercegovina (BiH),the Hungarian MFA's Russia and Balkans Department Deputy Director Istvan Ijgyarto believes the situation has moved two years backwards. Stating that several EU countries are inclined to move Serbia forward on the road to the EU rather than BiH, Ijgyarto underscored the importance of a well-prepared, cautious transition from the Office of the High Representative to the European Union Special Representative, and saw as essential a continued troop presence in BiH. Viewing a decreased ability to influence the situation following the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, Ijgyarto called for careful consideration of any punitive measures against Republic Srbska. End summary. ¶2. (C) Discussing reftel with PolOff on October 28, MFA Russia and Balkans Department Deputy Director Istvan Ijgyarto stated that Hungary shares the U.S. concerns on the current situation in BiH. He added that the GOH is still developing its position on the subject for the upcoming GAERC on November 10. He commented that, rather than moving forward, the situation has moved backwards to where it was more than two years ago, noting that with the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA),"we lost a carrot and now have less chance to be convincing and have influence." Ijgyarto added that several EU members are less inclined to accelerate BiH towards membership until the EU moves Serbia farther down the membership road. While not expressly stating this as the GOH position, he noted that if Serbia moves forward towards EU membership this would actually lessen Republic Srbska PM Dodik's links to Belgrade, further limiting his options. ¶3. (C) In response to the call for a tougher stance with Dodik, Ijgyarto cautioned that "we need to examine closely potential punitive measures so they don't play into Dodik's hand...he is playing the RS separatism card as a bargaining chip." Continuing, Ijgyarto noted that while Dodik's actions are not helpful, the Bosniaks are also creating "challenges" within the country as they attempt to "create an identity equal to that of the Croats and Serbs." Ijgyarto emphasized the need to help develop more responsible "ownership" by BiH leaders, as that stopped short of a fully developed stage, commenting that the BiH government sends a bad message by not fulfilling the SAA. ¶4. (C) Noting the upcoming expiration of the Office of the High Representative (OHR),Ijgyarto stated that the OHR needs to close first, with EUFOR remaining for at least a year longer. He mentioned that several EU states desire to close out their support to the military mission, especially in light of the current global financial crisis - asking "with no military engagements, what is the need?" Ijgyarto stressed that Hungary views a continued military presence as essential - "this is not the time to reduce force numbers since troops on the ground are a stabilizing factor." ¶5. (C) On the transition from OHR to European Union Special Representative (EUSR),Ijgyarto said "this should be a cautious transition and well prepared, keeping the OHR as long as possible." He expressed his view that the EUSR will not have the same influence as the OHR and therefore the International Community must be prepared to act decisively to support the EUSR. Thus, he continued, "it is also important to engage Russia - who are not very helpful - in particular at the Security Council." ¶6. (C) In closing, Ijgyarto underscored the importance of the Western Balkans for Hungary, highlighting the recent bi-lateral "Declaration on the Promotion of Bosnia and Hercegovina's Integration to the European Union" signed by the two Prime Ministers in June 2008, as well as the BiH Government bestowing "honorary neighbor" status for Hungary. Foley