SWEDEN ON MARCH 10-11 GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L STOCKHOLM 000186 SIPDIS SIPDIS EUR FOR NB E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/07/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV EUN AF ZI SW SUBJECT: SWEDEN ON MARCH 10-11 GAERC REF: STATE 22352 Classified By: Polcouns Casey Christensen for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). (C) On February 15, Poloff reviewed with MFA Deputy European Correspondent Anna Norell and Desk Officer for EU Affairs Annika Palo reftel points on the March 10-11 GAERC. Relevant points: -- Afghanistan: Norell told poloff Afghanistan will be removed from the agenda, and instead will be discussed at the Foreign Minister's meeting on the margins of the European Council meeting later next week. Sweden is open to increasing the number of trainers it sends to Afghanistan, but is having difficulties finding volunteers (septel). Currently, Sweden has only filled three of its five police trainer positions. -- Zimbabwe: Norell said the European Council's conclusions will likely note that the EU was not invited to observe elections in Zimbabwe. As the aim of an election observer mission is to monitor the entire process, not just the election itself, Norell believes Sweden will view an observer contribute request as too late. -- Additional Agenda Items: The March GAERC agenda will include WTO/DDA negotiations, according to Norell. Discussion of Burma has again been postponed. SILVERMAN