Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10SOFIA139
2010-02-26 14:31:00
SECRET
Embassy Sofia
Cable title:
BULGARIA SUPPORTS IAEA REPORT ON SYRIA, BUT
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHSF #0139 0571431 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 261431Z FEB 10 FM AMEMBASSY SOFIA TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6757
S E C R E T SOFIA 000139
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/27/2030
TAGS: PARM PREL SY IAEA BU
SUBJECT: BULGARIA SUPPORTS IAEA REPORT ON SYRIA, BUT
CAUTIONS IT IS NOT HIGH EU PRIORITY
REF: SECSTATE 16530
Classified By: DCM Susan Sutton for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
S E C R E T SOFIA 000139
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/27/2030
TAGS: PARM PREL SY IAEA BU
SUBJECT: BULGARIA SUPPORTS IAEA REPORT ON SYRIA, BUT
CAUTIONS IT IS NOT HIGH EU PRIORITY
REF: SECSTATE 16530
Classified By: DCM Susan Sutton for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (S) Post delivered reftel points to Miroslav Zafirov, MFA
Middle East expert on February 25. Bulgaria supports the
February 18 IAEA report on Syria, which draws attention to
Syria's clandestine nuclear program. Zafirov cautioned
against pushing too hard on the issue, citing a lack of EU
support. While the EU is in constant talks about Syria's
relations with Turkey, Israel, France, the Middle East Peace
Process, and internal security, according to Zafirov there is
currently no discussion of Syria's nuclear program. Zafirov
claims that Syria is using the situation in Iran, as well as
its increased role in the Middle East Peace Process in a
concerted effort to divert attention away from its nuclear
program. He cited this as one reason for the current thaw in
EU-Syria relations. He doubts that the EU will adopt a
common position on Syria's nuclear program anytime soon.
2. (S) Zafirov's view is that EU members believe now is an
opportune time to talk with Syria, as President al-Assad
retools his cabinet and security agencies, and Syria
continues to make positive overtures in the region. Bulgaria
is particularly concerned about France's position on the IAEA
Syria report, which Zafirov speculated may be too soft.
Zafirov promised to personally hand over our points to Deputy
FM Marin Raykov and offer a favorable opinion in support of
our position.
WARLICK
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/27/2030
TAGS: PARM PREL SY IAEA BU
SUBJECT: BULGARIA SUPPORTS IAEA REPORT ON SYRIA, BUT
CAUTIONS IT IS NOT HIGH EU PRIORITY
REF: SECSTATE 16530
Classified By: DCM Susan Sutton for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (S) Post delivered reftel points to Miroslav Zafirov, MFA
Middle East expert on February 25. Bulgaria supports the
February 18 IAEA report on Syria, which draws attention to
Syria's clandestine nuclear program. Zafirov cautioned
against pushing too hard on the issue, citing a lack of EU
support. While the EU is in constant talks about Syria's
relations with Turkey, Israel, France, the Middle East Peace
Process, and internal security, according to Zafirov there is
currently no discussion of Syria's nuclear program. Zafirov
claims that Syria is using the situation in Iran, as well as
its increased role in the Middle East Peace Process in a
concerted effort to divert attention away from its nuclear
program. He cited this as one reason for the current thaw in
EU-Syria relations. He doubts that the EU will adopt a
common position on Syria's nuclear program anytime soon.
2. (S) Zafirov's view is that EU members believe now is an
opportune time to talk with Syria, as President al-Assad
retools his cabinet and security agencies, and Syria
continues to make positive overtures in the region. Bulgaria
is particularly concerned about France's position on the IAEA
Syria report, which Zafirov speculated may be too soft.
Zafirov promised to personally hand over our points to Deputy
FM Marin Raykov and offer a favorable opinion in support of
our position.
WARLICK