SLOVENIA TO WAIT AND SEE ON BELARUS

C O N F I D E N T I A L LJUBLJANA 000137

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/26/2018
TAGS: PREL PHUM BO EU SI
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA TO WAIT AND SEE ON BELARUS

REF: SECSTATE 30007

Classified By: CDA Maryruth Coleman for reasons 1.4(b) and (d)

--------------
Presidency Statement?
--------------


1. (C) On March 25, ADCM met with COEST Chair Darja Bavdaz
Kuret to stress the importance of U.S.-EU unity in dealing
with Belarus (reftel),highlighting that a public statement
would be very helpful as a follow-on to the French demarche
made in Minsk last week. Bavdaz Kuret said that the French
Ambassador, on behalf of the EU, had expressed concern and
solidarity with the U.S. in the meeting with Belarusian FM
Martynov last week; she had also urged the unconditional
release of Kozulin.


2. (C) Bavdaz Kurat did not commit to issuing an EU
Presidency statement. She explained that they were watching
how Belarus reacts to the demonstrations expected today when
the Russian Prime Minister visits Minsk. If the GOB used
force, she stated that the EU would issue a statement. ADCM
urged a statement in solidarity with the U.S. no matter what.
Bavdaz Kuret took our concerns on board and noted that they
would have a round of talks with the Commission and
secretariat to prep for a possible statement tomorrow.

SIPDIS

--------------
Extending Sanctions?
--------------


3. (C) Bavdaz Kuret also said that the EU would discuss
sanctions on March 31, in preparation for an April 7
decision. She commented that the EU would prolong sanctions
for another six months unless the GOB released Kozulin. If
the GOB released Kozulin before April 7, the EU would most
likely reduce the number of people on the visa ban list.
ADCM urged the EU to keep Lukashenko on the list, but Bavdaz
Kuret said she could not anticipate what the EU might decide.
If the GOB released Kozulin after April 7, the EU might hold
another assessment before the six month extension period was
up.
COLEMAN