HUNGARIAN VIEWS ON NOVEMBER 10-11 FOREIGN

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUDAPEST 001078 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/ERA STEVE DYOKAS AND EUR/CE JAMIE LAMORE E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/06/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV EUN RU GG AF HU SUBJECT: HUNGARIAN VIEWS ON NOVEMBER 10-11 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING AGENDA REF: A. SECSTATE 115017 ¶B. BUDAPEST 1025 Classified By: P/E counselor Eric Gaudiosi, reasons 1.4 (b and d) ¶1. (U) MFA EU External Relations and Crisis Situations Section Head Andras Dekany provided the following comments to PolOff on November 7 for the GAERC meeting scheduled for November 10-11. ¶2. (C) Russia: The main question is: has Russia miscalculated its strategy on Georgia? There are signs that they have lost more strategically than they have gained and, therefore, may be amenable to some concessions. That said, Dekany noted that "we can only discuss the potential concessions if we have a united consensus with the EU, ruefully commenting, "our dream." Continuing, he noted that the EU must strive not to interpret the EU/Russia relationship only in the security policy context, but also must consider the EU's Economic first pillar and Justice and Home Affairs third pillar as well. Dekany emphasized that the EU must separate the EU-Russia Partnership Agreement from long-term strategic thinking. Hungary, he noted, is interested in engaging Moscow in order to move them towards compliance with international rules and regulations, commenting "we need to take Russia at its word to strive and settle frozen conflicts in the international context, as it would be beneficial for us." ¶3. (C) Russia continued: Related to the Russian proposal for a new European security strategy, Dekany said it is important to preserve the integrity of the EU and NATO. He stated his personal belief that referring this proposal to the OSCE for consultations and discussions will provide a "good stop" to the effort. Concerning Georgia, Dekany said it is important that talks have started, as they provide an opportunity to de-escalate the situation to our benefit. He views that South Ossetia and Abkhazia have different goals, with South Ossetia inclined towards joining Russia, while Abkhazia attempts to preserve its independence much farther into the future. He stated that the EU Monitoring Mission should enlarge its field of activity with the goal of a long-term presence in the conflict area. Dekany also noted that EU planning calls for launching an Independent Mission of Inquiry. Commenting on the upcoming EU/Russia summit on November 14, Dekany said the French Presidency plans to focus primarily on the financial crisis issue. ¶4. (C) Afghanistan: The EU should consider ways to "provide added value," especially as the security situation deteriorates in the north. Drug trafficking issues and the upcoming elections will require a greater international effort. Hungary sees the appointment of the new Interior Minister as a positive step. Dekany stated that the EU needs to examine carefully what they can provide the Afghan National Police (ANP),in particular, potential use of current uncommitted funds to supply additional equipment to the ANP. ¶5. (C) Western Balkans: Dekany noted that there will be a separate Foreign Ministers/Defense Ministers meeting on margins of the GAERC. According to Dekany, the primary focus will be on the western Balkans. He reiterated the points outlined in ref B, commenting that EUFOR should not be withdrawn "too early" and only after close coordination between the current Office of the High Representative and the planned EU Senior Representative. Foley