Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08PARIS365
2008-03-03 11:01:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Paris
Cable title:
GOF WANTS TO IMPROVE NATO-EU COOPERATION
how-toVZCZCXYZ4983 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHFR #0365 0631101 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 031101Z MAR 08 FM AMEMBASSY PARIS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2126 INFO RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 000365
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2018
TAGS: PREL NATO MOPS EU FR TU CY
SUBJECT: GOF WANTS TO IMPROVE NATO-EU COOPERATION
REF: STATE 20333
Classified By: Political M/C Josiah Rosenblatt, for reasons 1.4(b) and
(d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 000365
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2018
TAGS: PREL NATO MOPS EU FR TU CY
SUBJECT: GOF WANTS TO IMPROVE NATO-EU COOPERATION
REF: STATE 20333
Classified By: Political M/C Josiah Rosenblatt, for reasons 1.4(b) and
(d).
1. (C) On February 29, Political M/C met with Philippe
Carre, A/S-equivalent for Strategic Affairs at the MFA, to
discuss the demarche on improving NATO-EU cooperation
(reftel). Carre was pleased to receive our message, because
the current impasse has been both frustrating and worrisome
for the GOF, which "wants to find a solution" before the
French Presidency of the European Union (July to December).
The GOF particularly regretted the recent inability to have
an informal meeting on Kosovo on February 25. Carre referred
to French efforts to address the problem, including the
4-point French proposal from last fall, saying that the lack
of a functioning mechanism for NATO and the EU to talk is
both "dangerous" and "stupid," particularly in the context of
Afghanistan and Kosovo.
2. (C) Carre was under no illusion that the problems will be
resolved quickly, stating that the base of the problem is
Turkey's refusal to recognize and deal directly with Cyprus
in a collective format -- a hard-line position that Carre
affirmed is reinforced by the U.S. position of support. He
acknowledged that the problem is further exacerbated by the
Greek and Cypriot retaliatory position "taking hostage"
Turkish participation in the European Defense Agency. He
agreed with Political M/C that we needed to see small
gestures on both sides to lower the profile of the dispute
and reinforce practical benefits. Carre stated that France
will reinforce its message to Greece and Cyprus that they
must be "reasonable" and "generous;" however, France has much
less influence with Turkey, due to President Sarkozy's
well-known position against Turkish accession to the EU.
Carre expressed hope that a positive declaration on NATO-EU
could be possible at the NATO summit in Bucharest.
Please visit Paris' Classified Website at:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm
STAPLETON
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2018
TAGS: PREL NATO MOPS EU FR TU CY
SUBJECT: GOF WANTS TO IMPROVE NATO-EU COOPERATION
REF: STATE 20333
Classified By: Political M/C Josiah Rosenblatt, for reasons 1.4(b) and
(d).
1. (C) On February 29, Political M/C met with Philippe
Carre, A/S-equivalent for Strategic Affairs at the MFA, to
discuss the demarche on improving NATO-EU cooperation
(reftel). Carre was pleased to receive our message, because
the current impasse has been both frustrating and worrisome
for the GOF, which "wants to find a solution" before the
French Presidency of the European Union (July to December).
The GOF particularly regretted the recent inability to have
an informal meeting on Kosovo on February 25. Carre referred
to French efforts to address the problem, including the
4-point French proposal from last fall, saying that the lack
of a functioning mechanism for NATO and the EU to talk is
both "dangerous" and "stupid," particularly in the context of
Afghanistan and Kosovo.
2. (C) Carre was under no illusion that the problems will be
resolved quickly, stating that the base of the problem is
Turkey's refusal to recognize and deal directly with Cyprus
in a collective format -- a hard-line position that Carre
affirmed is reinforced by the U.S. position of support. He
acknowledged that the problem is further exacerbated by the
Greek and Cypriot retaliatory position "taking hostage"
Turkish participation in the European Defense Agency. He
agreed with Political M/C that we needed to see small
gestures on both sides to lower the profile of the dispute
and reinforce practical benefits. Carre stated that France
will reinforce its message to Greece and Cyprus that they
must be "reasonable" and "generous;" however, France has much
less influence with Turkey, due to President Sarkozy's
well-known position against Turkish accession to the EU.
Carre expressed hope that a positive declaration on NATO-EU
could be possible at the NATO summit in Bucharest.
Please visit Paris' Classified Website at:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm
STAPLETON