Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09LJUBLJANA20
2009-01-22 16:15:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ljubljana
Cable title:
SLOVENIA IN ADVANCE OF THE "LIGHT" JANUARY 26-27
how-toVZCZCXRO2696 RR RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHNP RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHLJ #0020 0221615 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 221615Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY LJUBLJANA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7148 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RUEHSB/AMEMBASSY HARARE 0026 RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL 0052 RUEHKH/AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM 0034 RUEHKV/AMEMBASSY KYIV 0004 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0254 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
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
-------
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
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