FINLAND AND THE JANUARY 26-27 FOREIGN MINISTERS

C O N F I D E N T I A L HELSINKI 000032 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/22/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV SUBJECT: FINLAND AND THE JANUARY 26-27 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING (GAERC) REF: A. (A) SECSTATE 4297 ¶B. (B) 2007 HELSINKI 250 Classified By: PolChief Scott Brandon for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY. Polchief met on January 21 with Deputy Director Markku Lampinen of the MFA's Unit for EU Common Foreign and Security Policy regarding the January 26-27 GAERC (REF A). Lampinen stated that the Foreign Ministers' (FMs) agenda contains two broad topics, the Middle East Peace Process and relations with Ukraine and Russia. However, under "other business" he expects a discussion of a possible common EU policy regarding Guantanamo detainees. On the Peace Process, the Finns support re-activating and possibly expanding the EU border mission at Rafah; on Ukraine and Russia the Finns support continuing negotiations with Russia on the post-Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and Ukraine on the Association Aagreement while also sending a strong message that the recent natural gas dispute has damaged each country's credibility; and on Guantanamo detainees, the Finns welcome the FMs' discussion of a possible common policy regarding a U.S. request to accept detainees, and are prepared to seriously consider such a request from the new Administration. END SUMMARY. Middle East Peace Process -------------- ¶2. (C) In their discussions, the FMs will focus on Gaza and what the EU can and should do. Specifically, they will examine how to secure the delivery of humanitarian aid to and within Gaza, and how to ensure a durable cease-fire. In addition, they will discuss how to address Israel's security needs, perhaps by re-activating and expanding the EU's Rafah border mission, or by participating in a peacekeeping operation. Lampinen stressed that he could only offer vague outlines now, considering that between now and the GAERC the FMs will meet separately with Israeli FM Livni and Palestinian representatives. ¶3. (C) The Finnish position is that all parties should immediately implement the UN resolution; the EU should be active in supporting the cease-fire; the EU should re-activate the border mission soon and consider expanding it (the Finns already have a border expert on the ground, and the GOF is prepared to send more); smuggling of arms and ammunition must stop; all crossing points should be opened; and the peace process must be kept alive. Lampinen also said the GOF supports the creation of a Palestinian unity government. EU relations with Ukraine and Russia -------------- ¶4. (C) The GAERC discussion of the EU's relations with Ukraine and Russia falls under the broad topic of "energy security," although the FMs likely will engage in a political debate the EU's relations with the two and on negotiations with the Russia on the post-PCA and with Ukraine on the Association Agreement. The Finns favor continuing both negotiations and hope that the FMs agree on how to advance them. However, they also support the EU sending a message to each that as a result of the dispute over natural gas their credibility as a reliable partner has been damaged and is at stake, and their recent actions threaten to make negotiations of the agreements more difficult. In light of the recent dispute between the two, FM Stubb might suggest that the EU include some form of dispute resolution provision within each agreement under negotiation. Guantanamo Detainees -------------- ¶5. (C) Lampinen described the GAERC discussion as a "preliminary" one at the request of Portugal's Foreign Minister. In anticipation of a formal request from the Obama Administration, the FMs' will discuss whether the EU can achieve a common position regarding accepting Guantanamo detainees. Lampinen said the discussion flows directly from FM discussions last autumn about improving Transatlantic relations, with some EU members urging that Europe make fewer demands of and complaints about the U.S. and shoulder more burdens. Lampinen said that the GOF would welcome a common policy line and will approach the discussion positively. He believes a common position is possible, but added that the matter could be a "divisive" one, as some EU members are not keen to accept detainees. ¶6. (C) According to Lampinen, The GOF has not discussed the matter "in depth." Asked about the prior Administration's request that Finland accept detainees, Lampinen cited FM Stubb for the position that internal GOF discussions would await a formal request from the new Administration and a formal decision to close the Guantanamo detention facility; following a request under those circumstances an "inter-ministerial Task Force" (including the MFA, Justice and Interior) would formally consider the matter. As the USG's prior request is no longer operative, Lampinen added that the GOF's prior insistence on a UNHCR referral for any detainee was also not operative (REF B). BUTLER