SLOVENIA IN ADVANCE OF CONCLUSION-HEAVY JUNE 15-16

UNCLAS LJUBLJANA 000164 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/ERA, EUR/CE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EUN PGOV SI SUBJECT: SLOVENIA IN ADVANCE OF CONCLUSION-HEAVY JUNE 15-16 GAERC REF: J. GIAUQUE JUNE 4 E-MAIL ¶1. (SBU) On June 10, Emboff discussed the U.S. nonpaper (ref) with European Correspondent Jernej Muller. Muller said the EU Foreign Ministers would prepare for the European Council, which would issue a Declaration on Afghanistan/Pakistan, as well as discuss Burma, and the European Security Strategy. He listed the conclusions expected from the June GAERC on: the Middle East Peace Process, Cuba, 3 sets on the Western Balkans - visa liberalization, regional cooperation, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan/Pakistan, Lebanon, Iraq, Moldova, and most probably Somalia/Atalanta, and maybe also conclusions on Guantanamo in advance of the expected U.S.-EU joint statement. He noted that Georgia had been postponed to the July GAERC agenda. Muller offered the following views: ¶2. (SBU) The Western Balkans: The FMs' discussion on the Western Balkans at the external relations session would focus on ICTY, and Chief Prosecutor Brammertz would take part; visa liberalization; and Bosnia and Herzegovina. On visa liberalization, Muller explained that Slovenia supported the findings of the European Commission, but at the same time believed that visa liberalization was not only a technical matter, but had political implications for the region. He stressed that it was a political decision for member states. He repeated the oft-stated concern that Bosniaks could be left behind because Bosnia and Herzegovina had not fulfilled EU expectations. According to Muller, the FMs would have a short discussion on Bosnia and Herzegovina to show their support of High Representative Inzko. ¶3. (SBU) Cuba: Muller agreed that in its political dialogue with Cuba, the EU should tackle all the issues, including those originally addressed in the Council's June 2008 decision. FREDEN