HUNGARY LOOKS TO EU TO PRESS RUSSIA ON CREEPING

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUDAPEST 000412 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/NCE MARC NORDBERG E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/18/2018 TAGS: PREL GG RS HU SUBJECT: HUNGARY LOOKS TO EU TO PRESS RUSSIA ON CREEPING ANNEXATION REF: SECSTATE 40673 Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor Eric Gaudiosi; reason 1.4 (b and d) ¶1. (C) MFA Deputy Russian and Balkans Department Head Istvan Ijgyarto discussed reftel with PolOff on April 21. Ijgyarto commented that the recent Russian "mechanism" initiative was a "two-track" message. First, for the U.S., NATO, and the EU, Kosovo's declaration of independence has consequences. Second, the mechanisms provide a tool for Russia to leverage Georgia into having "second thoughts" about any future invitation for NATO membership. That said, he stated he did not believe that the new Presidential instruction is the start of a certain final separation of the two Georgian regions. ¶2. (C) Asked if Hungary would approach Russia on this issue, Ijgyarto stated that Russia would be dismissive of a unilateral approach by "small" Hungary. He noted Hungary supports the efforts of the EU Troika on this issue and is ready to work within the framework of the EU for further statements, commenting that the international community needs to respond firmly in reaction to this Russian initiative. Closing out the discussion, Ijgyarto said the MFA plans to open an Embassy in Tbilisi later this year, predicated on funding and final Parliamentary approval. FOLEY