Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08LJUBLJANA517
2008-11-19 15:37:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ljubljana
Cable title:
SLOVENIA SUPPORTS NATO MAP FOR GEORGIA AND
how-toVZCZCXRO4905 PP RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHNP RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHLJ #0517 3241537 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 191537Z NOV 08 FM AMEMBASSY LJUBLJANA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7041 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO PRIORITY 1188 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L LJUBLJANA 000517
SIPDIS
BELGRADE PASS TO PODGORICA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/18/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV NATO MARR SI
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA SUPPORTS NATO MAP FOR GEORGIA AND
UKRAINE, OFFERS TO HELP MONTENEGRO
REF: LJUBLJANA 145
Classified By: DCM Brad Freden, reasons 1.4(b,d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L LJUBLJANA 000517
SIPDIS
BELGRADE PASS TO PODGORICA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/18/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV NATO MARR SI
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA SUPPORTS NATO MAP FOR GEORGIA AND
UKRAINE, OFFERS TO HELP MONTENEGRO
REF: LJUBLJANA 145
Classified By: DCM Brad Freden, reasons 1.4(b,d)
1. (U) This is a guidance request; please see para 5.
2. (C) Slovenia strongly supports a decision at the December
ministerial to offer Georgia and Ukraine's entry into NATO's
Membership Action Plan (MAP). In a November 19 meeting, MFA
NATO-policy Advisor Tadej Rupel said that Slovenia's support
for Ukraine and Georgia has not diminished since the
Bucharest summit (reftel),even though some NATO allies have
concerns. Although Rupel was not optimistic that the foreign
ministers would reach agreement on MAP for Georgia and
Ukraine in Brussels, he hoped that they would by the April
summit. He noted that Slovenia wants Ukraine and Georgia to
be invited together. Rupel stated that Foreign
Minister-designate Samuel Zbogar would lead Slovenia's
delegation if, as expected, he is confirmed by Parliament in
the coming days. Rupel himself, who served under Zbogar in
Washington, is rumored to be in line for a top position in
the Minister's cabinet.
3. (C) Rupel stated that Slovenia also supports NATO
expansion, including MAPs for western Balkan countries. He
acknowledged that it will take some time before Serbia and
Bosnia are ready to begin that process. Rupel added,
however, that Montenegro might be ready for a "fast track"
process for MAP due to its greater capacity to implement
necessary reforms to meet NATO criteria. Rupel commented
that Slovenia had also supported MAP for Macedonia in
Bucharest, along with Croatia and Albania, but recognized
that such a decision might take longer.
4. (C) Rupel said that Slovenia's NATO PermRep had recently
approached Ambassador Volker about Slovenia becoming the
Contact Point Embassy (CPE) in Podgorica. He and other MFA
contacts have reiterated Slovenia's request for U.S. support
with us. He explained that Slovenia is anxious to help its
western Balkan neighbors navigate the path toward full
European intergration, including NATO membership. Supporting
this effort is one of Post's top MSP goals.
5. (C) Post is encouraging Slovenia to pursue its interest in
becoming the NATO Contact Point Embassy in Podgorica, but
would appreciate any specific Department or USNATO guidance.
GHAFARI
SIPDIS
BELGRADE PASS TO PODGORICA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/18/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV NATO MARR SI
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA SUPPORTS NATO MAP FOR GEORGIA AND
UKRAINE, OFFERS TO HELP MONTENEGRO
REF: LJUBLJANA 145
Classified By: DCM Brad Freden, reasons 1.4(b,d)
1. (U) This is a guidance request; please see para 5.
2. (C) Slovenia strongly supports a decision at the December
ministerial to offer Georgia and Ukraine's entry into NATO's
Membership Action Plan (MAP). In a November 19 meeting, MFA
NATO-policy Advisor Tadej Rupel said that Slovenia's support
for Ukraine and Georgia has not diminished since the
Bucharest summit (reftel),even though some NATO allies have
concerns. Although Rupel was not optimistic that the foreign
ministers would reach agreement on MAP for Georgia and
Ukraine in Brussels, he hoped that they would by the April
summit. He noted that Slovenia wants Ukraine and Georgia to
be invited together. Rupel stated that Foreign
Minister-designate Samuel Zbogar would lead Slovenia's
delegation if, as expected, he is confirmed by Parliament in
the coming days. Rupel himself, who served under Zbogar in
Washington, is rumored to be in line for a top position in
the Minister's cabinet.
3. (C) Rupel stated that Slovenia also supports NATO
expansion, including MAPs for western Balkan countries. He
acknowledged that it will take some time before Serbia and
Bosnia are ready to begin that process. Rupel added,
however, that Montenegro might be ready for a "fast track"
process for MAP due to its greater capacity to implement
necessary reforms to meet NATO criteria. Rupel commented
that Slovenia had also supported MAP for Macedonia in
Bucharest, along with Croatia and Albania, but recognized
that such a decision might take longer.
4. (C) Rupel said that Slovenia's NATO PermRep had recently
approached Ambassador Volker about Slovenia becoming the
Contact Point Embassy (CPE) in Podgorica. He and other MFA
contacts have reiterated Slovenia's request for U.S. support
with us. He explained that Slovenia is anxious to help its
western Balkan neighbors navigate the path toward full
European intergration, including NATO membership. Supporting
this effort is one of Post's top MSP goals.
5. (C) Post is encouraging Slovenia to pursue its interest in
becoming the NATO Contact Point Embassy in Podgorica, but
would appreciate any specific Department or USNATO guidance.
GHAFARI