CYPRIOT POSITIONS FOR JUNE GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L NICOSIA 000383 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SE E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/16/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV IS SY LE CU AF PK BK YI KO HR SI, SU, CY SUBJECT: CYPRIOT POSITIONS FOR JUNE GAERC REF: POINTS FOR JUNE GAERC FROM INTELLIPEDIA Classified By: CLASSIFIED BY: DCM JONATHAN COHEN FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) AN D 1.4 (d) ¶1. (C) On June 11, Poloffs delivered reftel points to MFA European Union/CFSP desk officer Nikos Panayiotou. Taking up the Israel-Palestine points first, Panayiotou stated that the GOC welcomes recent USG overtures but remains concerned over the stance of the Netanyahu government, particularly on the issue of settlements. The GOC remains steadfast in supporting a two-state solution and the Quartet Principles, but is open to "flexibility" in determining how those principles are fulfilled. On the Arab Peace Initiative, Panayiotou shared that the GOC is fully behind the effort and believes the international community should "grab the opportunity" it presents. ¶2. (C) Moving on to Syria/Lebanon, Panayiotou stated that the GOC agrees on the need for continued engagement with Syria. While the GOC believes the SARG needs to take additional concrete steps to show commitment to cooperate on issues of common interest, it also feels that consideration of an EU-Syria Association Agreement is not premature at this point, but in fact could increase discussion momentum. ¶3. (C) On Georgia, Panayiotou stated that the GOC remains steadfast in its support for the renewal of the UN Observer Mission (UNOMIG) and the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM). Regarding Cuba, Panayiotou said the GOC welcomes the U.S. administration,s recent engagement efforts and shares USG concerns over Cuba,s record on human rights and democracy. (Comment: most higher-ranking MFA and Palace diplomats we have engaged on Cuba do not share Panayiotou's concerns for Havana,s HR/democracy record). Panayiotou stated that following its annual review, the EU would likely issue a conclusion paper that will stress the need for the reforms announced just after the June 2008 European Council meeting. ¶4. (C) Panayiotou turned next to Afghanistan/Pakistan, saying the GOC shares USG concerns regarding the urgency of the security situation there. Regarding EU-Pakistan bilateral trade, Cyprus favors a "people centered approach" that would focus more on rural populations. The GOC has not yet considered the use of Reconstructive Opportunity Zones but is open to the idea. ¶5. (C) Moving on to the Western Balkans, Panayiotou stated the GOC supports fulfillment of "5 plus 2" objectives before closure of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in Bosnia. Regarding Serbia,s stance towards EULEX and Pristina, Panayiotou said that the GOC believes Belgrade is cooperating sufficiently. Moreover, Cyprus fully supports EU membership for Serbia, irrespective of problems related to Kosovo's status. As to the Croatia-Slovenia border dispute, Cyprus leans toward supporting fellow EU member-state Slovenia, but remains optimistic that EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn,s efforts will resolve the dispute. Finally, on Sudan, Cyprus supports African Union and UN efforts for peace and fully expects the EU to push for implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Urbancic