Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09HELSINKI177
2009-05-15 14:30:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Helsinki
Cable title:  

FINLAND ON THE MAY GAERC

Tags:  EUN FI MARR PGOV PREL 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0001
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHHE #0177/01 1351430
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 151430Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY HELSINKI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4963
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
RUEHCH/AMEMBASSY CHISINAU 0037
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 4994
RUEHSI/AMEMBASSY TBILISI 0223
C O N F I D E N T I A L HELSINKI 000177 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2019
TAGS: EUN FI MARR PGOV PREL
SUBJECT: FINLAND ON THE MAY GAERC

REF: A. REF: MAY 9

B. 2009 J. GIAUQUE EMAIL

Classified By: Political Chief Scott Brandon for reasons 1.4(b) and (d)



C O N F I D E N T I A L HELSINKI 000177

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2019
TAGS: EUN FI MARR PGOV PREL
SUBJECT: FINLAND ON THE MAY GAERC

REF: A. REF: MAY 9

B. 2009 J. GIAUQUE EMAIL

Classified By: Political Chief Scott Brandon for reasons 1.4(b) and (d)




1. (C) SUMMARY. The Finns doubt stronger language on Iran
will issue from the May GAERC, given the lack of consensus
regarding tougher sanctions. Though discussion within the EU
has been limited, early signs are positive regarding
continuation of Operation ATALANTA off the Horn of Africa.
Signs are mixed, however, regarding continuation of Operation
ALTHEA in Bosnia. The Finns no longer consider ALTHEA a
military crisis management operation and plan to withdraw
most troops in June; they acknowledge a lack of consensus on
this within the EU, though their position may be gaining
adherents. The GAERC provides the last opportunity for
Member States to provide guidance in advance of the EU-Russia
Summit; the Finns would like to see more vigorous attention
to a successor to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
with Russia. Some matters may be unripe for discussion at
the GAERC, like the Middle East (given Prime Minister
Netanyahu's visit to Washington) and Moldova (given upcoming
elections). END SUMMARY.


2. (C) On May 14 Polchief met with the MFA Director for
European Common Foreign and Security Policy Leena-Kaisa
Mikkola to discuss the May GAERC agenda. Mikkola said the
agenda would be more limited than usual, given the inclusion
of a special meeting of Foreign and Defense Ministers. The
Middle East is not on the agenda, and will be taken up later,
after Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington.
Mikkola also expressed disappointment with how the Czechs
have been handling agenda items, saying that there is often
limited clarity about what will be discussed. Highlights
follow.


3. (C) IRAN: EU Member States (MS) have not arrived at a
consensus regarding sanctions. The Finnish Government (GOF)
"basically" agrees with the U.S. points (REF). According to
Mikkola, "southern" MSs are reluctant to tighten sanctions.
Mikkola expected that supporters of stronger language would
not meet that objective.


4. (C) ATALANTA: Mikkola said the EU's Operation ATALANTA
seemed to be working quite well, and the GOF is willing to
continue cooperation. Discussion within the EU of an
extension has not really begun. Mikkola does not expect much
opposition to an extension, given MSs' interest in unhindered
shipping. Early signs are positive, "even from Germany,"
Mikkola added. How the EU might address instability in
Somalia itself is the tougher question. Mikkola said some
discussions on the matter had taken place within the Council,
but she did not know whether the Foreign and Defense
Ministers would address it at the GAERC.


5. (C) EU-RUSSIA SUMMIT: The GAERC will provide the last
chance to give guidance before the upcoming Summit. Mikkola
expects the main focus of the Summit will be the financial
crisis, with the EU underlining that protectionism will not
provide a solution. The Finns would like to see a "renewed
impetus" on a successor to the current Partnership and
Cooperation Agreement.


6. (C) MOLDOVA: Mikkola had not heard any discussion of an
EU-led investigation into the April 7 violence, but knew of
limited discussions pointing to the importance of a role for
the Council of Europe in any investigation. She did not
expect in-depth discussion of Moldova, as the more
appropriate time would be after the Presidential election
later this month.


7. (C) BOSNIA/ALTHEA OPERATION: Mikkola said that the GOF
differs from the U.S. on Operation ALTHEA. The Finns no
longer view it as a military crisis management operation.
They believe the mission should come to a close and the EU
should focus on training and mentoring. Mikkola said some
within the EU have complained of "sudden withdrawals." The
Finns believe their decision to withdraw all but 3-5 troops
in June is not sudden and has long been known. Mikkola said
that at one time their position was in the clear minority in
the EU. That has changed, and she estimated it more at 50-50
or above for their position. Mikkola acknowledged the EU
remains far from a consensus on this point.


8. (C) GEORGIA: Mikkola expressed doubts about the OSCE
continuing its mission. She said the EU must consider
continuation of its role and mission in light of the problems
confronting the OSCE mission, adding that discussion has not
started. Mikkola said that beyond these missions the EU must
consider how to bring Georgia and the EU closer. The GOF
strongly favors pursuing "visa facilitation," trade
liberalization and an Association Agreement. Mikkola said
the EU must do morethan simply signing papers with the
Georgians, they must take actions that show concrete
progress.
BUTLER