DANISH VIEWS ON JULY GAERC MINISTERIAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L COPENHAGEN 000393 SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/ERA (JEFFREY GIAUQUE) E.O. 12958: DECL: 7/17/2018 TAGS: EUN PHUM PREL IR SO SU CD ZI UP DA SUBJECT: DANISH VIEWS ON JULY GAERC MINISTERIAL REF: STATE 75702 Classified By: Bill Mozdzierz, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission. Reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C). In a July 18 discussion of reftel, Danish MFA European Correspondent Asif Amin informed PolOff that Denmark supports the US positions on the GAERC agenda items. Due to the FM's vacation schedule, Denmark's Ambassador in Brussels will lead the Danish delegation. Because of the FM's absence, Amin does not anticipate that Denmark will take the lead in advocating its views at the Ministerial. Zimbabwe -------------- ¶2. (C) According to Amin, Zimbabwe is Denmark's top priority on the GAERC agenda. Denmark supports the US draft UNSC resolution and anticipates that the EU will impose an asset freeze and travel ban at the July GAERC. An arms embargo is not in the current EU plan. However, Amin anticipates the EU will discuss an arms embargo at the September Ministerial, absent significant positive developments in Zimbabwe. Denmark supports a transitional government and a fair referendum in Zimbabwe. Iran -------------- ¶3. (C) Regarding Iran, Amin predicts EU action on UNSCR 1803 by the end of July. Denmark supports the US position as outlined in reftel. Somalia -------------- ¶4. (C) Amin stated that Denmark supports UNSCR 1816 and the CTF-150 operations off the coast of Somalia, as Danish-flagged ships have been victims of piracy. Denmark is participating in multi-national operations, but cannot advocate the coordination of military financing within the EU due to Denmark's defense opt-out provision. Sudan and Chad -------------- ¶5. (C) Amin believes Denmark will wait until the ICC formally issues its indictment of Sudanese President al-Bashir before considering further action. Amin stressed that Denmark's defense opt-out prevents Denmark from advocating a military response in an EU forum. Other Items -------------- ¶6. (C) Amin expressed particular interest in the anticipated report by Tony Blair on the Middle East during the Ministerial. CAIN