PORTUGAL REITERATES OUTSTANDING BOSNIA COMMITMENTS

C O N F I D E N T I A L LISBON 002699 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/03/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV ETRD EUN BK RS IZ AF BM PO PHUM SUBJECT: PORTUGAL REITERATES OUTSTANDING BOSNIA COMMITMENTS AT GAERC REF: SECSTATE 115017 Classified By: Gary B. Applegarth, Pol-Econ Officer, Embassy Lisbon Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary: Florbela Cardy and Isabel Ferreira of the Portuguese MFA expressed general Portugal and EU agreement with reftel points. Cardy stressed EU resolve for Bosnia to meet its 5 2 Agenda commitments and downplayed concerns about the EU/Russia summit. Cardy said the EU is encouraged by progress in Iraq and supports broader cooperation in Afghanistan, and she underscored EU disappointment with the lack of progress in Myanmar. Ferreira expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in DRC and hope for progress at the Nairobi summit. End summary. ¶2. (C) Bosnia and Herzegovina: In response to reftel points on Bosnia, MFA Deputy EU Correspondent Florbela Cardy said the Council was concerned with recent developments and nationalist rhetoric, and stressed this may complicate necessary reforms. She said the Council remains committed to previously established goals and calls on Bosnia to complete the 5 2 Agenda. ¶3. (C) EU/Russia Summit: Cardy noted the need for Russia to fulfill its commitments from the August 12 ceasefire and minimized the impact of President Medvedev's proposals on the upcoming EU discussion. Cardy said the discussion was simply to be a scheduled review of the EU/Russia relationship and existing joint programs and initiatives, and recent events in Georgia and other Russian actions would serve as a backdrop. ¶4. (C) European Security and Defense (ESDP): Cardy said the Council and Defense Ministers would be reviewing progress and guidelines for the ESDP update and the DefMins would continue discussions of EU policies and opportunities for officer exchange programs. ¶5. (C) Iraq: Cardy said the EU is encouraged by steps toward national reconciliation in Iraq and looks for this to continue through next month's local and provincial elections. Cardy also said the EU rule of law mission mandate in Iraq would be renewed. ¶6. (C) Afghanistan: Cardy said there are no new Council conclusions on Afghanistan. ¶7. (C) Myanmar: Cardy said the EU calls for continued proactive diplomacy with Myanmar and deplores the lack of progress towards democracy since last year's protests. The European Council stressed the importance of the 2010 elections and underscored that their credibility depends on the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners. ¶8. (C) Democratic Republic of Congo: MFA Africa Deputy Isabel Ferreira said the EU is monitoring the situation in the DRC with concern and has announced provision of additional emergency aid. Cardy said the EU supports the efforts of the African Union and is hopeful for progress from the Nairobi summit to consolidate ceasefire efforts and produce a political solution. STEPHENSON