US embassy cable - 05BRATISLAVA140

S E C R E T BRATISLAVA 000140 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
DEPT FOR EUR (JONES/CONLEY) AND CA 
NSC FOR FRIED/HAINES/WILSON 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/21/2030 
TAGS: PREL, LO 
SUBJECT: PRIME MINISTER'S LIKELY THEMES WITH PRESIDENT BUSH 
 
 
Classified By: CDA SCOTT N. THAYER FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND(D) 
 
 
1.  (S)  Charge was briefed evening of February 19 by Milan 
Jezovica, the Prime Minister's foreign policy adviser, of the 
principal themes PM Mikulas Dzurinda would likely use during 
his February 24 meeting with the President.  Jezovica began 
by noting that the Prime Minister was very excited about the 
President's visit, recognizes there is not much time during 
the formal visit, and thus will very welcoming but 
business-like.  The PM will focus on three themes: freedom, 
economic development, and future generations. Jezovica spoke 
from rough notes and used the opportunity to explore 
formulations, phrasings, and vocabulary (the Prime Miniser 
will speak in English). 
 
2. (C)  The more freedom we have, the better we live.  The 
global process of enlarging the space of freedom and 
stability requires leadership and the 
cooperation/contributions of many.  It is thus in the 
interest of Slovakia to have world leaders like the 
President. Success in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and 
elsewhere proves the wisdom of a policy of engagement, and 
thus the need to continue that policy.  Slovakia will play 
its part as a matter of principle and national interest. 
 
3. (C)  Referring to the President's meeting the same day 
with Russian President Putin, the PM will caution that we 
should have "no illusions" about Russia.  The key to Russia 
is Ukraine -- the stronger democracy is in Ukraine, the 
better chance for it to take hold in Russia, as well as 
Ukraine's northern (Belarus) and southern (Moldova) 
neighbors.  Dzurinda has met on several occasions with 
Yushenko and has invited Timosenko for an official visit even 
before her confirmation by the rada.  We should be demanding 
of Yushenko that he promote reform, but fair in our 
expectations (and supportive). 
 
4.  (C)  Dzurinda will point out to the President that many 
of the economic reforms that have proved so successful in 
Slovakia (flat tax, health care reform, etc.) had their 
intellectual origins in the U.S.  He will stress the need 
for, and open door to,  additional U.S. investment and note 
that it is a win-win for the U.S. and Slovak economies. 
 
5. (C)  The long term relations between our two countries 
depend upon future generations knowing and understanding each 
other better.  Dzurinda will welcome the visa waiver roadmap, 
but press for additional steps.  U.S. visa policy remains 
incongruous as Slovakia has entered the EU.  Slovaks have 
enjoyed freedom of movement throughout Europe for the past 
fifteen years without dire security or economic consequences, 
which U.S. policy needs to recognize. 
 
6.  (S) COMMENT:  As the above shows, many of the themes the 
President is likely to include in his own remarks will be 
preaching to the choir.  Dzurinda's instincts are inherently 
Transatlantic, but his government is often reactive and 
reticent to press its views in NATO and EU councils.  The 
President could usefully temper his praise for Dzurinda's and 
Slovakia's accomplishments with encouragement to take a more 
proactive role in supporting our common goals and interests. 
THAYER 
 
 
NNNN