LATVIAN RESPONSE TO PRE-FAC DEMARCHE: WE ARE WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L RIGA 000035 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/20/2020 TAGS: PREL PGOV ECON LG SUBJECT: LATVIAN RESPONSE TO PRE-FAC DEMARCHE: WE ARE WITH YOU ON IRAN REF: KONIC-PHIPPS 1/16 E-MAIL Classified By: PolEconCouns Brian Phipps, Reasons 1.5 (B) and (D) ¶1. (C) Latvian MFA EU Correspondent Kristaps Brusbardis assured us January 19 that Latvia was ready to move forward on sanctions against Iran. Responding to points in ref email in advance of the January 25 European Union Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting, he expressed the thought that the Swedish government had learned from its EU presidency experience to move somewhat from its previous position against sanctions. On Somalia, Latvia supported an EU training mission based in Uganda. On Afghanistan, he noted and we expressed appreciation for the maintenance of the current level of Latvian forces (170 troops),the addition of two additional Latvian police officers to join one already deployed, and the provision of a small level of Latvian development assistance, especially in light of the severe economic crisis in Latvia (a drop of more than 20% in GDP in two years). He appreciated hearing our points on Yemen, expressing concern at recent terrorist attacks in nearby Denmark and Russia. ¶2. (C) Turning to European matters, he said the Latvian view was that EUFOR in Bosnia should move from an active operation to a mentoring mission. As Latvia was not deeply invested in Bosnia, the government would follow EU consensus on this matter. On Ukraine, he thought it unlikely that the Foreign Affairs Council would discuss events in detail. He said that impact of Yanukovych's victory in the first round should not be exaggerated, noting that Yanukovych had not turned his back on closer integration with Europe. Brusbardis advocated an easing of pressure on IMF matters and gas sector reform until after the second round of Ukrainian elections. He shared our views on Serbia. GARBER