SWEDEN'S STATE SECRETARY SPILLS ON IRAN, ISRAEL,

C O N F I D E N T I A L STOCKHOLM 000709 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/12/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV EUN IR AF SW SUBJECT: SWEDEN'S STATE SECRETARY SPILLS ON IRAN, ISRAEL, AND AFGHANISTAN Classified By: DCM Robert Silverman for reasons 1.4 (B) & (D). ¶1. (C) Summary: On November 9, DCM and acting PolCouns met with State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Frank Belfrage, to review Swedish perspectives on the November 3-4 US-EU Summit. Belfrage relayed EU thinking on Iran (expert level groups are in constant discussions on appropriate types of sanctions); Afghanistan (the next steps on the International Compact with Afghanistan); and the Palestinain-Israeli track (concern over potential for increasing violence). End Summary. -- Climate Change: Belfrage said Sweden's visit to Washington was "excellent" and PM Reinfeldt and President Obama were on the "same side" of the climate change argument, but have different political realities. The Swedes, said Belfrage, know the President is "fully committed" to fighting climate change. -- Israel-Palestine Talks: The EU is "fully behind the U.S. and wants to support" the U.S. The problem, Belfrage continued, is the EU is waiting for the U.S. to announce its next steps. Sweden wants to renew the EU's contact in the region, and FM Bildt will have "further occasions" to visit Israel, though it is undecided when. Moderate Arabs are growing increasingly impatient, frustrated and violent, he observed. -- Iran: Tehran has sent signals that it does not want the IAEA deal, Belfrage told the DCM. Iran seems split between the hawks and doves, which makes it easier for the Iranians to say no than yes. The DCM told a surprised and disappointed Belfrage that the complete IAEA report on the full inspection documents findings of serious concern. Belfrage said he was glad Russia is now considering UN sanctions, and reiterated Sweden's preference for the UN Security Council first to pass a resolution before autonomous sanctions are pursued. All sanctions must be efficient and workable, he said, and Sweden generally questions sanctioning minerals, such as gemstones in Burma or petroleum products in Iran, because it is difficult to confirm the nation of origin. Belfrage said the EU Council Secretariat and Commission are in "constant discussions" at the expert level over what type of sanctions should be used, although no member openly will discuss the specifics of sanctions at this point. The British are likely to table something soon, he concluded. -- Afghanistan: A tough message needs to be delivered to President Karzai, Belfrage said, and the EU is currently pushing him to commit to reform in his inauguration speech, including anti-corruption and election reforms, and ask the international community for help. This would lead to the International Compact with Afghanistan (ICA),held in Kabul, and an international proclamation of support of reforms. The composition of the ICA would include about thirty countries derived from the UN's Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board. Belfrage said the President and Reinfeldt, and FM Bildt and Deputy Secretary of State Steinberg have a "total convergence of views" on steps forward with the ICA. -- Slovenia-Croatia: The U.S. has its "hand in a hornets nest" with Slovenia and Croatia, Belfrage lamented, and the two are causing lots of problems for Sweden as well. The ratification process for the agreement to submit the border dispute to arbitration will be "very messy", but the biggest step has already been taken: unblocking Croatia's EU accession. Belfrage said the next long-term steps include establishing the procedures for arbitration and ensuring the decision of the arbitration tribunal not affect Croatia's EU membership. ¶2. (C) Comment: Belfrage underlined that Sweden appreciates the Washington reception during the November 3-4 U.S.-EU Summit, including the bilateral aspects. BARZUN