PORTUGAL VIEWS ON APRIL GAERC

UNCLAS LISBON 000228 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PO SUBJECT: PORTUGAL VIEWS ON APRIL GAERC ¶1. (SBU) On April 23 Portugal's MFA Deputy EU Correspondent Florbela Cardy shared Portugal's views on the April GAERC. Burma, the Middle East, the Eastern Partnership, and Sri Lanka will be on the agenda, with informal discussions on Afghanistan/Pakistan/Iran, Ukraine, Moldova, and the Durban Review Conference. ¶2. (SBU) Burma: Cardy confirmed the EU will renew its Common Position on Burma and continue to press the Burma regime to respect human rights, release political prisoners, and fairly apply democratic principles. The EU looks forward to the outcome of the U.S. review on its Burma policy. ¶3. (SBU) Middle East: Ministers will hold a dialogue to reflect concern about the lack of progress in the Middle East peace process and to call on Israel to acknowledge support for the two state solution and fulfill its Annapolis and 2002 "road map" commitments. The dialogue will also reiterate the need for Palestinian political reconciliation. ¶4. (SBU) Eastern Partnership: Cardy said the EU understands the U.S. position regarding the invitation to Belarus President Lukashenko but felt there was no alternative. Cardy said "the problem has been avoided" as FM Sergey Martinov is reported to be representing Belarus at the May 7 summit. ¶5. (SBU) Sri Lanka: There will be a brief exchange to raise international attention to the worsening situation in Sri Lanka. Cardy said the EU calls for a negotiated solution respecting the rights of all parties and is considering a request to India to engage in talks to spur progress. ¶6. (SBU) Afghanistan/Pakistan/Iran: Cardy said the EU remains committed to stabilization in Afghanistan, agrees that security and development must be addressed in concert, and is willing to take a prominent observation role in the upcoming Afghan presidential election. The EU is concerned about Taliban expansion in Pakistan and stresses the need to bolster Afghan/Pakistan cooperation to counter the threat. Cardy said the EU supports the "new U.S. approach" regarding Iran and calls on Iran to engage in the E3 3 process but views additional sanctions against individuals and entities associated with proliferation as counterproductive at this time. ¶7. (SBU) Ukraine: The EU agrees with the U.S. position and will continue dialog to urge Ukraine to take further steps to manage the economic crisis. ¶8. (SBU) Moldova: Cardy said the EU calls for a solution based on human rights and democratic principles and agrees that the 5 2 is the appropriate forum to resolve Transnistria status. ¶9. (SBU) Durban Review Conference: Cardy described the Iranian president's speech as "unfortunate" but the EU will continue engagement in an effort to further progress against racism and discrimination. For more reporting from Embassy Lisbon and information about Portugal, please see our Intelink site: http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/portal:port ugal STEPHENSON