FINNISH COMMENTS ON GAERC JULY 22-23

C O N F I D E N T I A L HELSINKI 000324 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/16/2018 TAGS: PREL PHUM EUN PGOV FI IR SO SU ZI UP CD SUBJECT: FINNISH COMMENTS ON GAERC JULY 22-23 REF: A. GIAUQUE EMAIL 11 JULY 2008 ¶B. STATE 75702 Classified By: CDA Michael Butler for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 1.(U) Poloff delivered GAERC talking points to Finnish MFA European Correspondent Leena-Kaisa Mikkola July 15. 2.(C) IRAN: Mikkola said that the discussion would focus on Iran's reply to Solana. She expects he will brief the ministers on that reply and on the next steps for the EU. The GoF agrees that UNSCR 1803 should be implemented soon. 3.(SBU) SOMALIA: Mikkola expects discussion on Somalia and the pirate threat to focus on an ESDP approach and coordinating national vessels. 4.(SBU) SUDAN/DARFUR, CHAD & Central African Republic: Mikkola said that Sudan and Darfur do not appear on the current agenda but may come up in relation to Chad or ICC activity. No conclusions are planned. 5.(C) ZIMBABWE: Mikkola expressed disappointment with the UN outcome on Zimbabwe and stated that it's up to the EU Ministers to demonstrate support for Zimbabwe's people by expanding the list of targeted sanctions. She expects further action in September if Zimbabwe shows no improvement. 6.(C) UKRAINE: Mikkola thinks that Sweden and Finland will speak on behalf of Ukraine. Because of the Irish rejection of the Lisbon Treaty and general enlargement fatigue, the discussion would focus on recognition of the process and not Ukrainian membership. 7.(C) MIDDLE EAST and WESTERN BALKANS: Mikkola said that the Middle East and Western Balkans were late entries to the agenda. Tony Blair may speak on the Middle East. She doesn't expect discussion on Kosovo as the conclusions are focused on welcoming the pro-EU government of Serbia. BUTLER