CZECH COMMENTS IN ADVANCE OF THE MARCH 28-29

UNCLAS PRAGUE 000206 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS EUR/ERA JGIAUQUE, EUR/NCE FOR ATRATENSEK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EUN EZ EG PGOV PREL SUBJECT: CZECH COMMENTS IN ADVANCE OF THE MARCH 28-29 GYMNICH REF: STATE 30504 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Emboff met with Slavomir Goga and Magdalena Janesova, Desk Officers in the MFA's Department of Common Foreign and Security Policy, to discuss Czech views prior to the March 28-29 Gymnich. They were supportive of the USG positions in reftel. Both officials confirmed that Foreign Minister Schwarzenburg will attend the Gymnich. End Summary. -------------- Western Balkans - Kosovo -------------- 2, (SBU) The MFA is supportive of our position on Kosovo. They are especially concerned about the setting up of parallel structures in Serbian majority areas. The Czechs intend to recognize Kosovo, but the recognition question has become hostage to "coalition politics." They could not provide an estimate on when the Czechs will recognize Kosovo. -------------- Middle East/Syria -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Overall, they are very supportive and appreciative of U.S. efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East. On Syria, Goga and Janesova believed the EU should limit high level visits, while still keeping open a dialogue with Damascus. They see Syria as a key player in achieving Middle East peace. -------------- Russia -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Goga and Janesova stressed the need for a untied EU position towards Russia, but believe this could be difficult to achieve. The Czechs are in favor of negotiating a new partnership and cooperation agreement (PCA),but believe the new PCA must include strong commitments to human rights and democracy. -------------- Tibet -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Tibet will only be discussed during the working lunch. They did not expect any new communiques or statements beyond urging Beijing to show restraint towards peaceful demonstrations. The Czechs also do not plan to boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Graber