Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08LISBON2699
2008-11-07 17:20:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Lisbon
Cable title:  

PORTUGAL REITERATES OUTSTANDING BOSNIA COMMITMENTS

Tags:  PREL PGOV ETRD EUN BK RS IZ AF BM PO PHUM 
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VZCZCXRO6023
RR RUEHAG RUEHROV
DE RUEHLI #2699 3121720
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 071720Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY LISBON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7145
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES
RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL 0069
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 0521
RUEHNR/AMEMBASSY NAIROBI 0060
RUEHVJ/AMEMBASSY SARAJEVO 0023
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 1540
RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 0605
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).

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