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