PORTUGUESE VIEWS ON THE MARCH GAERC

UNCLAS LISBON 000594 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AF IR GG IS PREL PGOV PO SUBJECT: PORTUGUESE VIEWS ON THE MARCH GAERC REF: SECSTATE 22352 ¶1. (SBU) Assistant EU Correspondent Pedro Severo de Almeida responded to the reftel points with Portugal's views in advance of March's GAERC meeting. He confirmed that the ministers planned to discuss the Balkans, Middle East Peace Process, Zimbabwe, Georgia, and Iran. He also noted the possibility of a discussion on tensions between Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela under other business depending on the developments over the weekend of March 8-9. ¶2. (SBU) Western Balkans: Almeida acknowledged that Balkans discussions could still be delicate given the split between nations who have recognized Kosovo and those who have not. He predicted that the conversation would focus on the mission in Bosnia and the future of Republika Srpska rather than Kosovo this month. Almeida also stressed that he had no indication of when Portugal would recognize Kosovo. ¶3. (SBU) Middle East: Portugal agrees that it is important to maintain the positive momentum from Annapolis despite the recent violence in Israel and Gaza. Almeida noted that the EU remains concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and plans to ask that Israel have a more "proportionate response" to the attacks launched from Gaza. ¶4. (SBU) Zimbabwe: The ministers will review draft conclusions on Zimbabwe, and may include language that offers to revise sanctions if the elections comply with international standards. He added that the GOZ agreed to let accredited EU diplomats assigned to Zimbabwe serve as observers during the elections. While Almeida recognized that it was highly unlikely that Zimbabwe would hold free and fair elections, the EU plans to offer the carrot of enhanced engagement to see whether it can prompt a positive reaction from Zimbabwean authorities. ¶5. (SBU) Georgia: Almeida said he understood that South Ossetia was seeking Russian, EU, and UN support for its independence. He predicted that the EU's discussion, which had been slated to discuss visas, free trade, and confidence building measures, would focus entirely on the independence question. Almeida expressed concern that any new declaration of independence would encourage some to say that Kosovo was serving as a precedent. ¶6. (SBU) Iran: In addition to sanctions discussions, Almeida stated that the meeting would cover the EU's concerns about Iran's new penal code, narcotics cultivation, terrorism, and human rights conditions. Stephenson