HUNGARIAN VIEWS ON JULY 27-28 FOREIGN MINISTERS

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUDAPEST 000533 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/CE JAMIE LAMORE E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/24/2014 TAGS: PREL PGOV EUN HU SUBJECT: HUNGARIAN VIEWS ON JULY 27-28 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING (GAERC) REF: JULY 16 GIAUQUE EMAIL Classified By: CLASSIFIED BY CDA JEFF LEVINE FOR REASONS 1.4(b) AND (d) ¶1. (U) MFA EU External Relations Section Chief Andras Dekany discussed issues on the agenda of the July 27-28 GAERC Meeting with EmbOff on July 24. Dekany noted that the agenda will focus on three items: Iran, Georgia, and Somalia. He provided the following summary of the MFA's position on the subjects. IRAN -------------- ¶2. (C) The GOH continues to believe that the most important issue regarding Iran is ensuring that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons capability. To do so, Hungary believes the EU and the international community must make it clear that there is a time limit for Iran to respond with steps to address the concerns of the international community. To ensure credibility, the GOH believes the EU should begin the process of examining tougher potential sanctions, taking into account the end of September timeframe endorsed by the G-8. Should international pressure be met with a negative response from Iran, and if additional or stronger sanction measures become necessary, the GOH believes the international community should first seek endorsement through the UN, which Hungary would support. ¶3. (C) Regarding the situation of the detained French citizen, the GOH believes that international pressure similar to that applied in the case of the British Embassy employee should be used. On the technical issue of diplomatic participation at the inauguration of President Ahmadinejad, Dekany noted that it is a non-issue for Hungary, as their Ambassador will be out of the country on holiday at the time. GEORGIA -------------- ¶4. (C) Regarding Georgia, Dekany noted that his Ministry only had an interim position. As such, he indicated that Hungary strongly supports extension of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM),and believes the mandate is crucial for ensuring stability in Georgia. He noted that the GOH does not believe modification of the mandate is necessary at this time. The international community should explore creative ways to ensure international presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia; for example, by initiating regular visits of senior OSCE and UN officials. ¶5. (C) Dekany noted that allowing third country participation in the EUMM might be opening a "Pandora's box." Although Hungary would not be opposed to U.S. participation and believes it is useful to discreetly examine how to enhance U.S. cooperation, the GOH is concerned that opening the door for third country participation may result in countries that are less welcome as potential participants knocking on the door. SOMALIA -------------- ¶6. (C) On Somalia, The GOH supports increased EU assistance to support the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the establishment of civil and military forces, but does not believe it is realistic at this time to establish an on-the-ground EU presence in Somalia. They support sending an EU fact-finding mission and the development of a legal framework in support of anti-piracy efforts. LEVINE