AUSTRIAN VIEWS IN ADVANCE OF THE SEPTEMBER 5-6

UNCLAS VIENNA 001264 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/ERA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM GG RU AU SUBJECT: AUSTRIAN VIEWS IN ADVANCE OF THE SEPTEMBER 5-6 GYMNICH REF: A. STATE 93272 ¶B. STATE 93264 (U) Polchief discussed reftel points September 2 with Klaus Famira, MFA European Correspondent. Famira offered the following views on the Gymnich agenda: -- Georgia: Noting that the European Council had addressed Georgia at its September 1 meeting, Famira said he did not expect any new Georgia-related initiatives to emerge from the Gymnich. Gymnich participants might discuss the humanitarian situation in Georgia and details related to an ESDP mission. The European Council stated in its September 1 Conclusions that it will move quickly to hold an international conference on reconstruction assistance for Georgia. The Council also noted its concerns about stability in the Caucasus, and emphasized the importance of the September 9 EU-Ukraine Summit. -- MEPP: Famira said he expects a general discussion of the various elements of the peace process, which have not been discussed lately in the EU. Participants are likely to express their continued support for the Annapolis process. The French might use this opportunity to discuss the Mediterranean Union. -- EU Security Strategy: Gymnich participants will discuss three options: revising the entire document, amending portions of the document, or leaving the text intact and adding action memos on emerging issues such as cyber security, climate change, and energy security. The GOA believes that the first option would be a mistake; the security situation has not changed much since 2003 and reopening the entire document could lead to an inferior strategy. Either of the other two options could be effective, Famira said. If the entire document is reopened, there will likely be an emphasis on UNSCR 1325 on women, peace and security, he said. -- Transatlantic Relations: Famira said the goal is to discuss the importance of U.S.-European relations and how to strengthen them, not to re-hash old disputes. He said Afghanistan and Pakistan will be discussed in the transatlantic context, at the request of the EU's NATO members. -- Serbia: Famira said Serbia is not on the agenda. Girard-diCarlo