SLOVENIA IN ADVANCE OF APRIL 28-29 GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 LJUBLJANA 000185 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/ERA, EUR/NCE E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/23/2018 TAGS: PREL EUN PGOV ZL PK AF ZI IR GG IS SI SUBJECT: SLOVENIA IN ADVANCE OF APRIL 28-29 GAERC Classified By: Charge Maryruth Coleman, Reasons 1.4 (b,d) Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) On April 24, A/DCM delivered the April 28-29 GAERC points to European Correspondent Aljaz Arih. Arih said that the GAERC would issue conclusions on Burma, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and the Western Balkans. He noted that Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and China/Tibet/Olympics were not on the agenda. Western Balkans -------------- ¶2. (C) Arih stated that Slovenia had tried hard for an SAA with Serbia, but that it would not happen at the GAERC; he added that there was no indication that thinking had changed in The Hague. He predicted that the discussion would take place in light of the upcoming elections. He said the GAERC would issue a strong message of support to the pro-European forces in Serbia. Arih added that although there was a slight chance of signing the SAA with Bosnia, it was best to be realistic and it was probably not possible to sign it at the April GAERC. Slovenia would push hard for signing at the May meeting. ¶3. (C) Arih agreed with our points on Kosovo, but rued that there was no answer to the question about how to deal with the UNMIK-EULEX transition. He noted that FM Rupel would present some ideas to his colleagues about how to proceed on cooperation with the UN. Georgia -------------- ¶4. (C) Arih expected a discussion on what the EU could do to help calm the situation and ease tensions. Israeli-Palestinian Peace -------------- ¶5. (C) Arih said the FMs would take stock of the situation on the ground. They would also discuss EU positions at upcoming meetings. He predicted the GAERC would discuss the Moscow Conference and was appreciative of our views. Zimbabwe -------------- ¶6. (C) Arih commented that the EU's views are in line with our points. In the conclusions, the EU will support the international community's efforts, call for releasing the election results without delay, and note that SADC should play a positive role. Burma -------------- ¶7. (C) Arih stated that the FMs would extend sanctions for another 12 months, but there would not be any substantive discussion on Burma. Pakistan -------------- ¶8. (C) Arih noted that the FMS would review the Pakistan policy paper, which reformulates how the EU should strengthen relations with Pakistan in politics and economics, as well as the role of the EU in democratization and supporting building the rule of law. Solana would also report back to the GAERC on his recent visit. Other Items -------------- ¶9. (C) According to Arih, the GAERC will have a short agenda point on the European Neighborhood policy. The Commission would present reports on the action plans. There will also be a focus on tightening relations and cooperation with four countries: Ukraine, Moldova, Israel, and Morocco. Arih said there would also be a short discussion, at Spain's request, on piracy off the coast of Somalia. There would also be several meetings on the margins of the GAERC: Association LJUBLJANA 00000185 002 OF 002 Council with Egypt, and separately with Croatia; Troika with ECOWAS, and separately with the OSCE, and a Ministerial troika with Russia. COLEMAN