SLOVAK RESPONSE TO FEBRUARY FAC DEMARCHE

UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000076 SIPDIS FOR EUR/CE AND EUR/ERA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL LO SUBJECT: SLOVAK RESPONSE TO FEBRUARY FAC DEMARCHE REF: Konick email 2/17 PolOff delivered referenced points to Slovak MFA European Correspondent Albin Otruba on February 18. On Iran, Otruba said that Slovakia agrees with the U.S. approach, and is open to discussing the possibility of autonomous sanctions on Iran if consensus is not reached at the UNSC on the need for a robust UNSCR. Otruba also said that the Slovaks have recently summoned the Iranian Ambassador five times to discuss their concerns about developments in the country. On Ukraine, Otruba underscored Slovakia's interest in encouraging Yanukovych's stated interest in moving Ukraine towards Europe. Aside from the Slovaks' obvious interest in energy security, they will also be encouraging Yanukovych to use his democratic mandate to implement much needed constitutional reform. Slovakia will also support visa liberalization for Ukraine. On Haiti, Otruba lamented that the EU's response to the earthquake has been roundly criticized, and said that Slovakia looks forward to the discussion of lessons learned at the FAC so that future humanitarian assistance can be better coordinated. EDDINS