Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09LISBON228
2009-04-24 09:53:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Lisbon
Cable title:  

PORTUGAL VIEWS ON APRIL GAERC

Tags:  PREL PGOV PO 
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RR RUEHAG RUEHDF RUEHIK RUEHLZ RUEHROV RUEHSR
DE RUEHLI #0228 1140953
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 240953Z APR 09
FM AMEMBASSY LISBON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7588
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES
UNCLAS LISBON 000228 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PO
SUBJECT: 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