US embassy cable - 05LJUBLJANA692

C O N F I D E N T I A L LJUBLJANA 000692 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/29/2015 
TAGS: PREL, KDEM, KPAL, SI 
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA IN ADVANCE OF OCTOBER GAERC 
 
REF: SECSTATE 177048 
 
Classified By: COM Thomas B. Robertson for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
1.(C)   Pol/Econ Chief discussed reftel points with MFA EU 
Correspondent Peter Grk September 28.  Grk reiterated 
Slovenia's consistent position on Turkey and Croatia, saying 
that while Austria was striving to make a linkage, Slovenia 
was not.  Slovenia did, however, hope the EU would be able to 
make a positive announcement about the opening of accession 
talks with Croatia.  Grk thought that any statement from 
Carla Del Ponte after her visit to Croatia would have great 
influence on the next steps by the EU.  On Kosovo, Grk said 
the EU would need to see the report of UNSYG Special Rep. Kai 
Eide before deciding on how to move the process forward. 
 
2.(C)  Grk agreed with our points on Russia and the 
importance of encouraging it to play a constructive role with 
its neighbors.  He said trying to work with Belarus was a 
real challenge since it is difficult to find a constructive 
way in.  He shared our concerns on Uzbekistan and explained 
some of the measures the EU was prepared to take as a result 
of Andijon and lack of an independent investigation in its 
aftermath. Slovenia, in particular, is familiar with the 
challenges of working with Uzbekistan as FM Rupel's special 
OSCE Representative to Central Asia, Alojz Peterle, had so 
much trouble getting a visa to visit in the wake of Andijon. 
Grk will be interested to hear a readout of A/S Fried's visit 
to the region. 
 
3. (C)  Grk said he expected serious debate on the MEPP at 
the GAERC and Quartet meeting.  He anticipated a good 
statement would result which would be important in helping to 
keep the process dynamic.  Grk was aware of the request for 
financial support from the BMENA fund, but he could not say 
if Slovenia would be able to make a contribution in addition 
to what the EC might do. 
ROBERTSON 
 
 
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 2005LJUBLJ00692 - Classification: CONFIDENTIAL 


 
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