Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08LUXEMBOURG69
2008-03-13 16:10:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Embassy Luxembourg
Cable title:  

LUXEMBOURG SUPPORTS NATO MEMBERSHIP FOR CROATIA,

Tags:  MARR NATO PREL PGOV GR MK LU 
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VZCZCXRO4141
RR RUEHAG RUEHROV
DE RUEHLE #0069 0731610
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 131610Z MAR 08
FM AMEMBASSY LUXEMBOURG
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6242
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES
RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE
RUEHSQ/AMEMBASSY SKOPJE 0085
RUEHTI/AMEMBASSY TIRANA 0065
RUEHVB/AMEMBASSY ZAGREB 0228
C O N F I D E N T I A L LUXEMBOURG 000069 

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/RPM, EUR/WE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/13/2018
TAGS: MARR NATO PREL PGOV GR MK LU
SUBJECT: LUXEMBOURG SUPPORTS NATO MEMBERSHIP FOR CROATIA,
MACEDONIA, AND ALBANIA

REF: STATE 14821

Classified By: DCM Steven H. Kraft, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L LUXEMBOURG 000069

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/RPM, EUR/WE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/13/2018
TAGS: MARR NATO PREL PGOV GR MK LU
SUBJECT: LUXEMBOURG SUPPORTS NATO MEMBERSHIP FOR CROATIA,
MACEDONIA, AND ALBANIA

REF: STATE 14821

Classified By: DCM Steven H. Kraft, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C/NF) SUMMARY. Ambassador discussed the Greece-Macedonia
name dispute with Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn on 11 March
emphasizing points contained reftel. Asselborn confirmed
that Luxembourg was in agreement that Allies must work with
both sides and that he was committed to the Nimetz process.
He added however, that there were "some other European
Countries" which were still considering the "3 or 1" approach
based on his conversations with EU counterparts at the GAERC
on 10 March. Follow up consultations with the MFA in
Luxembourg confirm that Luxembourg supports membership for
all three candidate nations at Bucharest. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) During a private social luncheon on 11 March hosted by
Ambassador Wagner at her residence, Ambassador and DCM
discussed the Greece-Macedonia name dispute with Luxembourg
FM Jean Asselborn and MFA Political Director Sylvie Lucas.
Ambassador stressed that the U.S. supports the most ambitious
NATO enlargement round possible at the Bucharest Summit. She
emphasized that the U.S. views the naming issue as a
bi-lateral issue between Greece and Macedonia and that we
have appealed to both sides of the dispute to be constructive
and flexible. The Ambassador suggested that while we
understood the Greeks might block Macedonia's membership over
the issue, we still believe the Nimetz process to be key to
eventual resolution.


3. (C/NF) FM Asselborn responded that Luxembourg was in
agreement that Allies must work with both sides, and that he
stood behind the Nimetz process, as well. Asselborn
commented, however, that Greece could be a "particularly
difficult" Ally at times. The FM also shared some of his
personal insights about his GAERC discussions on the issue on
10 March. While he said there was clear agreement on
Croatia's entry, the case for Albania was much more
problematic and indeed might be in trouble if Greece's effort
to prevent Macedonia's entry succeeded. Asselborn said that
"some other European countries" (NFI) were still envisioning
a "3 or 1" approach, meaning either all three candidates
(Croatia, Albania, and Macedonia) would be invited to join,
or only Croatia.


4. (C) In separate discussions, MFA Deputy Political Director
Stephan Mueller confirmed that the GoL's main goal is
"stability in the Balkans" and therefore supports offers of
membership for Croatia, Albania, and Macedonia at Bucharest.
In response to points contained reftel, Claude Faber, MFA
desk officer for Security and Defense Affairs, noted our
points and suggested that in Luxembourg's opinion Macedonia
has "given a bit more (on the name dispute) than Greece."
However, he openly questioned if there was any use in our
asking European Allies to put additional pressure on Greece
since "they have a veto and there is nothing we can do to
change their minds."


5. (C/NF) COMMENT: We are not surprised by Luxembourg's
support for all three candidates given its long-standing
support for stability in the Balkans. Consultations with the
British Embassy here suggest that one of Asselborn's un-named
"other European countries" may include Romania. We will
continue to follow up on this matter and report any
significant developments Septel. END COMMENT.

WAGNER