SLOVENIAN PRESIDENCY ISSUES STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L LJUBLJANA 000186 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/24/2018 TAGS: PREL EUN GG RU SI SUBJECT: SLOVENIAN PRESIDENCY ISSUES STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF GEORGIA--NO FURTHER ACTION PLANNED REF: STATE 40673 Classified By: CDA Maryruth Coleman for reasons 1.4 (b,d) ¶1. (SBU) On April 22, Emboffs delivered reftel points to MFA Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Division, Ambassador Darja Bavdaz Kuret, raising our opposition to the upgrading of Russian relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Bavdaz Kuret said that the Slovenian EU Presidency had issued a declaration on April 18 regarding the GOR announcement to establish mechanisms to provide services to Russian citizens in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. She noted that the declaration reiterated the EU's firm commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders, and urged the Russian Federation not to implement its decision. Bavdaz Kuret stated that Slovenia planned to monitor the situation closely and see how developments unfold. She mentioned that there had been some positive steps taken on April 18 when the Kremlin said that they would consider lifting the ban on some Georgian imports and ending visa restrictions. ¶2. (SBU) Bavdaz Kuret emphasized that this was a crucial time for the political future of Georgia given its upcoming parliamentary elections in May and stressed the importance of ensuring free and fair elections. She noted that Georgia was part of the EU's political dialogue with Russia and that Georgia would be on the agenda at the Russia-EU Troika scheduled to take place in Luxembourg on April 29. ¶3. (C) COMMENT: Bavdaz Kuret acknowledged that the recent shoot down of the drone had raised tensions even further and that developments in the ongoing controversy would frame the next steps taken by the EU. However, her repeated allusions to the May elections may indicate an unwillingness by Slovenia and the EU to become involved in Georgia's domestic politics. END COMMENT. COLEMAN