CFE/JCG: OCTOBER 6 PLENARY - RUSSIA RAISES

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 USOSCE 000219 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR VCI/CCA, EUR/RPM NSC FOR FRIEDT, HAYDEN JCS FOR J5 NORWOOD, COL SMITH OSD FOR ISA (KEHL, WALLENDER) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KCFE OSCE PARM PREL SUBJECT: CFE/JCG: OCTOBER 6 PLENARY - RUSSIA RAISES FAMILIAR POINTS FROM AIDE-MEMOIRE Sensitive but Unclassified; please protect accordingly. Not for Internet. 1.(SBU) Summary: At the October 6 Joint Consultative Group (JCG) plenary, Russia offered familiar comments on paragraphs 7, 8, and 9 of its aide-memoire of 5 May 2009, &Restoring the Viability of the CFE Treaty: A Way Forward.8 In response, Moldova noted that its position had not changed. The U.S. underlined that discussions on the Parallel Actions Package are being held elsewhere and efforts to duplicate those discussions in Vienna would not help resolve the impasse. Russia plans to address paragraphs 10-12 of its aide-memoire at the next JCG plenary on 13 October. End Summary. Russia's Familiar Views on Aide-memoire - - - - - - - - - - - ¶2. (SBU) At the October 6 JCG Plenary, the Russian Federation (Ulyanov) recalled that in the Spring round of JCG meetings, the Russian delegation would provide more detailed comments on its 5 May aide-memoire, covering one or two topics at a time. He then began with a definition of &substantial combat forces.8 Ulyanov said that in July 2007, Russia tabled a proposal for the definition. He lamented it was a pity that Western colleagues had not found the time to study or review this proposal in the JCG or at NATO. In general, there has been no more progress in the last 2 months, so Russia will proceed with discussing the aide memoire of 5 May. ¶3. (SBU) With respect to Para 7 of the aide-memoire, Russia essentially read the text nearly verbatim. With respect to Para 8, Russia reiterated its desire for the continued presence of Russian forces in Moldova as agreed in 1992, adding that the mandate should include OSCE civilian observers. The mandate to continue this occupation should be approved within 45 days after the Package is agreed. ¶4. (SBU) With respect to Para 9, Regional considerations (Moldova and Georgia),Ulyanov claimed that positive concessions had been made by Russia, and neither Moldova nor Georgia,s roles had any bearing. Russia agreed to go along under two conditions: that the package be well-balanced (agreeing with other elements of the aide-memoire) and that it have some measure of transparency while taking into account the current situation. The Russian delegate then stated that he would cover Paras 10 through 12 in detail at the next JCG Plenary. Moldova Affirms Longstanding Position - - - - - - - - - ¶5. (SBU) Moldova (Cuc) stated that its position on the Russian forces in Moldova had not changed. The withdrawal and disposal process should cover the Operative Group of Russian Forces and its ammunition stockpiles, the military contingent deployed in the Security Zone as a result of the 1992 Agreement on the principles of peaceful settlement of the Transniestrian conflict, as well as the Treaty Limited Equipment transferred to the Transniestrian regime. ¶6. (SBU) Moldova also confirmed its support of the Parallel Actions Package with the view of resolving the crisis around the CFE treaty. Moldova then stated that there is a need to launch a dialogue with the participation of all interested actors regarding the replacement of the military forces in the Security Zone with a multinational, civilian mission under an international mandate. Moldova noted its difference with Russia's proposal Para 8 of the aide-memoire that the current, so-called &peacekeeping8 mission be legitimized by a PC decision. Finally Moldova stated that it will continue to implement all aspects of the CFE Treaty and expected that all other States Parties do the same. U.S. Warning on Trying to Duplicate Bilat Talks - - - - - - - - - - ¶7. (SBU) The U.S. (Neighbour) replied that Russia's aide-memoire had examined carefully by Washington and many other CFE States Parties when distributed last spring. The U.S. underlined that discussions on the Parallel Actions Package are being held elsewhere and efforts to duplicate those discussions in Vienna would not help resolve the impasse. ¶8. (SBU) The next JCG will be held on 13 October under USOSCE 00000219 002 OF 002 Canada's chairmanship. Russia plans to similarly provide &additional8 information on paragraphs 10-12 of its aide-memoire at that meeting. Fuller