Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BUDAPEST879
2008-09-05 11:43:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Budapest
Cable title:  

HUNGARIAN COMMENTS ON UPCOMING SEPTEMBER 5-6

Tags:  PREL PGOV PHUM HU EUN GG 
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DE RUEHUP #0879 2491143
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 051143Z SEP 08 ZDK
FM AMEMBASSY BUDAPEST
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3358
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS BUDAPEST 000879 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/CE JAMIE LAMORE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM HU EUN GG
SUBJECT: HUNGARIAN COMMENTS ON UPCOMING SEPTEMBER 5-6
FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING (GYMNICH)

REF: A. STATE 93272

B. STATE 93264

UNCLAS BUDAPEST 000879

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/CE JAMIE LAMORE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM HU EUN GG
SUBJECT: HUNGARIAN COMMENTS ON UPCOMING SEPTEMBER 5-6
FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING (GYMNICH)

REF: A. STATE 93272

B. STATE 93264


1. (SBU) MFA EU External Relations Section Chief Andras
Dekany discussed reftels with PolOff on September 4 and
provided the following comments on GYMNICH agenda items:


2. (SBU) Georgia:

- Hungary supports an ESDP mission to Georgia and expects a
decision at the September 15 GAERC. The mission should have
a "straight-forward" mandate, working in cooperation with the
OSCE and UN missions. The ESDP mission engagement should
extend to the entire territory of Georgia over time. With a
deployment, the EU should articulate to the Government of
Georgia that they should not use the current crisis as a
pretext to delay reforms and democratic transition efforts.
The EU should also consider a deployment to the
Transdinister/Nagorno-Karabakh region in the future.
(Comment. In conversation with MFA Security and
Non-Proliferation Department Head Vilmos Hamikus, he told
PolOff on September 4 that the GYMNICH will focus more on the
broader "way forward" concerning the EU/Russian relationship
rather the crisis in Georgia. End comment.)

- Expect discussion on a proposed Polish-Swedish Eastern
initiative - a response to the Euro-Mediterranean plan - with
an effort to accelerate a decision by the EU at the December
Council meeting.


3. (SBU) Middle East Peace Process:

- Not a major agenda item. Important to support the
Annapolis process - rule of law, security assistance and
efforts to bolster Palestinian economy. A planned French
proposal is delayed as a result of the Georgia crisis.


4. (SBU) EU Security Policy:

- Solana will provide a briefing on the program. Hungary
presented its notional position along with several other
countries. The EU has to determine whether to re-write or
"tinker on the margins." Hungary does not support a
re-write, as many of the elements remain valid, rather it
should be strengthened based on lessons learned from
implementation of the strategy, especially in light of the
Georgian conflict. The document should also stress the
importance of the EU in the western Balkans and eastern
Europe, as well as the Caucuses and western Asia because of
energy supply issues.

- The on-going EU review process should ensure the document
has synergy with NATO's own review of its Strategic Concept -
with a goal to have the EU review results presented at the
December EU Council meeting. "We want to give a positive
message to Ukraine at the December meeting."


5. (SBU) Trans-Atlantic Relationship:

- We prod our EU partners to pursue consultations with the
U.S., "especially at this strategic time." We are looking
for a growing synergy and believe that continuous,
senior-level meetings, in particular at the U.S./EU directors
level is important. We need to focus on areas where we can
agree to ensure the message is consistent, even if the timing
may vary.


6. (SBU) Serbia:

- The Foreign Minister visited Belgrade this week. The
Serbian Government sought support for their request for an
ICJ advisory position. The FM responded that Hungary is
working with the EU members in NY to produce a common
position on this issue. (Septel)


7. (U) EULEX:

- Does not anticipate any discussion.


8. (SBU) Afghanistan/Pakistan:

- Important for EU/NATO cooperative support. Hungary
supports an increase in the size of the Afghan National Army.
Hungary also supports the EUPOL mission, but should reassess
our experience up to now in regard to future police training
efforts.
Foley