SLOVENIA IN ADVANCE OF THE "LIGHT" JANUARY 26-27

C O N F I D E N T I A L LJUBLJANA 000020 SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/ERA, EUR/CE E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/20/2019 TAGS: PREL EUN PGOV ZL AF SU ZI UP BO SI SUBJECT: SLOVENIA IN ADVANCE OF THE "LIGHT" JANUARY 26-27 GAERC REF: STATE 4297 Classified By: ADCM G. Shelton, Reasons 1.4 (b,d) Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) On January 22, Emboff met with Jernej Muller, of the MFA's EU Division, to deliver reftel's talking points in advance of the January 26-27 GAERC. Muller said the agenda for the Czech Republic's first GAERC was not so heavy. The Foreign Ministers would focus on energy security and relations with Russia and with Ukraine in light of the gas crisis, as well as on the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP). Muller said the GAERC would issue conclusions on Zimbabwe, without discussion, and MEPP. End Summary. Russia-Ukraine Gas Dispute -------------- ¶2. (C) Muller said that Slovenia agreed with our points about the importance of greater diversification of energy supplies, particularly gas. The GOS welcomed ideas that would decrease Europe's dependence on Russia. Slovenia also agreed on the need to develop a common EU policy on energy security. Ukraine and Russia -------------- ¶3. (C) Muller stated that the lunch discussion would be an exchange of views on the possible consequences for the EU's future relations with Ukraine and with Russia after the gas crisis. According to Muller, the Slovenian position was that the gas shut-off was unacceptable, but the EU should continue negotiations with both countries. He added, however, that the EU should integrate into a future agreement with Russia some safeguards about the security of energy supplies. MEPP -------------- ¶4. (C) Muller noted the 27 EU foreign ministers January 21 dinner with the Israeli FM and the dinner planned for January 25 with the FMs from Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, and Palestine as preparation for the GAERC discussion. Slovenia welcomed the cessation of hostilities; called on both sides to respect the cease-fire; called on Israel to open the border crossings to enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance; and believing that Israel had an obligation to fully respect international humanitarian law, was dismayed by the attacks on UNRWA, convoys, hospitals and schools. Muller commented that Slovenia was considering participating in a Gaza mission and was positively inclined to do so. He expected a decision by the end of this week. Guantanamo Detainee Resettlement -------------- ¶5. (C) Muller explained that Slovenia supported a common EU position and hoped the EU as a whole would give a positive signal on Guantanamo detainee resettlement. He said that Slovenia was still considering the possibility of resettlement; although it had "not yet reached a decision, it had not dismissed the question out of hand." FREDEN