TFGG01: ITALY WILL SUPPORT GEORGIA'S TERRITORIAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 001094 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR IO/UNP K.G. MOORE E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/28/2018 TAGS: UNSC PREL GG IT SUBJECT: TFGG01: ITALY WILL SUPPORT GEORGIA'S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY IN EMERGENCY UNSC MEETING REF: A. STATE 92325 ¶B. STATE 92371 Classified By: Acting Deputy Political Counselor Gabriel Escobar for re asons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Poloffs delivered ref A and B demarches to MFA UN Desk Officer Leonardo Bencini and Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia Office Director Marco Clemente on August 28. Poloffs urged Italy to instruct the Italian PermRep in New York to forcefully denounce Russia's recognition of South Ossetian and Abkhaz independence and call on Russia to revoke its recognition, reaffirm Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, implement the six-point plan, and cooperate in the deployment of an international mechanism for regional stability. Poloffs also pressed Italy to oppose participation by either South Ossetian or Abkhaz representatives in UNSC discussions on Georgia. ¶2. (C) Clemente pointed to the August 27 G7 foreign ministers' statement denouncing Russia's decision to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia and said this strong, unified position would be reflected in Italy's UNSC intervention. When asked about participation by Abkhaz and South Ossetian separatists, Clemente noted that the UN Office would provide guidance based on precedence and rules of procedure. When Poloff noted that this should be a decision determined by policy, not procedure, Clemente demurred and said he would still have to consult on this issue. ¶3. (C) Bencini agreed that Italy's position would be consistent with previous statements and declarations, but said he did not expect Italy's statement to go as far as calling on Russia to "revoke its recognition," an argument that he considered futile. Bencini said internal discussions on the question of South Ossetian or Abkhaz participation in UNSC discussion on Georgia were ongoing, but he said that Italy saw procedural and substantive concerns and would likely oppose such a move, if it came to a vote. ¶4. (C) Comment. Italy continues to try to navigate a neutral path between Russia and the rest of the EU and NATO. Russia's actions, however, are making it increasingly difficult for Italy to walk this tightrope. We will continue to make it even more uncomfortable by insisting that Italy take a principled approach to the issue. End Comment. ¶5. (U) Minimize considered. DIBBLE