CYPRIOT STANCE FOR SEPTEMBER GYMNICH

C O N F I D E N T I A L NICOSIA 000563 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SE E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/02/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV IS IR AF PK CY SUBJECT: CYPRIOT STANCE FOR SEPTEMBER GYMNICH REF: PRE-GYMNICH INSTRUCTIONS/POINTS FROM INTELLIPEDIA Classified By: DCM Jonathan R. Cohen, Reasons 1.4 (b),(d) ¶1. (C) On September 1, Poloff delivered reftel points to Cyprus MFA European Correspondent Helena Mina. First taking up Iran, Mina stated that the GOC backs applying pressure on Iran while stressing engagement. Cyprus would consider further measures, including sanctions, but only if such measures are backed by the UN Security Council. Turning next to Israel-Palestine, Mina stressed that the GOC believes it is important to take into account the positions of all parties involved, including Arab countries. The GOC is particularly concerned about the Israeli government's position on settlements. On the Palestinian Authority, Mina said that GOC is "absolutely" willing to provide additional support, but deferred as to whether Cyprus would consider a monetary contribution at this time. ¶2. (C) Moving on to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mina stated that the GOC agrees a sustainable, Afghan-led Afghanistan should be the international community's focus and is open to the idea of embedding civilian experts in Afghan ministries. Mina also expressed GOC agreement on the importance of EUPOL, but had no specific information on additional deployment. As far as the overall EU strategy towards Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mina noted that a non-paper has been circulated by the Swedes which will likely be reviewed at the Gymnich; additionally, a new EU Afghanistan/Pakistan strategy paper is expected to be discussed at the next GAERC. On the issue of aid to Pakistan, Mina stressed that the GOC is eager to support Pakistan and had recently given approximately $100,000 for humanitarian aid for IDPs. URBANCIC