FINNISH COMMENTS ON THE DECEMBER 8-9 GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L HELSINKI 000550 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/06/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV ETRD EUN ZL IS PK CG TU FI SUBJECT: FINNISH COMMENTS ON THE DECEMBER 8-9 GAERC REF: STATE 127023 Classified By: Pol Chief Scott Brandon for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary. PolOff met with MFA Unit for the European Union Common Foreign and Security Policy Director Leena-Kaisa Mikkola to discuss GAERC points on December 5. On the question of enlargement, she stated that the Western Balkans will be part of a general discussion and Turkey will be encouraged to adopt further protocols as soon as possible. She thought the outcome of discussions on the Middle East may simply be a restatement of the EU's current position. Mikkola noted that the Democratic Republic of the Congo discussion would be on general support for MONUC and not on additional EU multi-national personnel participation. She said that Pakistan made the agenda prior to the attacks in Mumbai but that now the discussion on how the EU could influence Pakistan, as key to regional security, would be more serious. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) WESTERN BALKANS: The Finnish MFA expects little detailed discussion on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mikkola said that this meeting should cover only committee conclusions for the region. Further discussion on Bosnia and Herzegovina may take place early next year. The entire region will be discussed as part of the enlargement package conclusions. The temporary stabilization association agreement (SAA) between the EU and Serbia will be supported even though Serbia is not fully cooperating with the ICTY. The Netherlands insists on full cooperation before a full SAA can be executed; the December 12 report will most likely find cooperation incomplete. The MFA expects a short discussion on EULEX in Kosovo, which was to start in December and has kept to its timetable. The EU will probably thank Serbia for its cooperation on Kosovo in relation to the transition to EULEX. The EU,s agreement with the UN on EULEX has had Belgrade,s support. Per Mikkola, Croatia could better cooperate with the ICTY and the EU will welcome progress, but will also list areas requiring extra effort. No specific year will be provided for Croatia. ¶3. (SBU) TURKEY: Mikkola said that the EU will emphasize Turkey,s strategic importance and regret that it has not made more progress on political reforms. The EU will urge Turkey toward good relations with its neighbors, ask that Turkey implement additional protocols as soon as possible, and urge Turkey to support reunification negotiations in Cyprus. ¶4. (C) MIDDLE EAST: Mikkola noted that the Middle East has not been discussed much under the French presidency. She stated that the progress on the ground has been disappointing and that they are hearing pessimistic reviews from the region. The EU is questioning whether to increase its direct dialogue in order to get leverage over Israel but that a lot is dependent on the upcoming Israeli elections. Mikkola expects a conclusion reiterating the current position. She also said that the Israeli-Palestinian issue is rumored to be on the agenda for the European Council next week. ¶5. (SBU) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (DRC): On the DRC, Mikkola commented that the conclusions will support MONUC but she does not expect a common policy on additional European participation in deployment. Belgium may provide additional personnel. Mikkola also noted that the human rights situation caused specific concerns over child soldier recruitment and treatment of women. ¶6. (SBU) PAKISTAN: Mikkola noted the EU's intention to intensify relations with Pakistan adding that Pakistan was on the agenda before the Mumbai incident. She said that Pakistan is seen as key to regional stability and expects serious discussion on how the EU might influence and encourage the region. ¶7. (U) WTO: Mikkola made no comments on the WTO Doha Round. BARRETT