Cablegate: Finnish Comments On Gaerc July 22-23

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RR RUEHAG RUEHROV
DE RUEHHE #0324 1980746
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 160746Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY HELSINKI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4429
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
RUEHKV/AMEMBASSY KYIV 0744

C O N F I D E N T I A L HELSINKI 000324

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/16/2018
TAGS: PREL PHUM EUN PGOV FI IR SO SU ZI UP CD
SUBJECT: FINNISH COMMENTS ON GAERC JULY 22-23

REF: A. GIAUQUE EMAIL 11 JULY 2008
B. STATE 75702

Classified By: CDA Michael Butler for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

1.(U) Poloff delivered GAERC talking points to Finnish MFA
European Correspondent Leena-Kaisa Mikkola July 15.

2.(C) IRAN: Mikkola said that the discussion would focus on
Iran's reply to Solana. She expects he will brief the
ministers on that reply and on the next steps for the EU.
The GoF agrees that UNSCR 1803 should be implemented soon.

3.(SBU) SOMALIA: Mikkola expects discussion on Somalia and
the pirate threat to focus on an ESDP approach and
coordinating national vessels.

4.(SBU) SUDAN/DARFUR, CHAD & Central African Republic:
Mikkola said that Sudan and Darfur do not appear on the
current agenda but may come up in relation to Chad or ICC
activity. No conclusions are planned.

5.(C) ZIMBABWE: Mikkola expressed disappointment with the
UN outcome on Zimbabwe and stated that it's up to the EU
Ministers to demonstrate support for Zimbabwe's people by
expanding the list of targeted sanctions. She expects
further action in September if Zimbabwe shows no improvement.

6.(C) UKRAINE: Mikkola thinks that Sweden and Finland will
speak on behalf of Ukraine. Because of the Irish rejection
of the Lisbon Treaty and general enlargement fatigue, the
discussion would focus on recognition of the process and
not Ukrainian membership.

7.(C) MIDDLE EAST and WESTERN BALKANS: Mikkola said that
the Middle East and Western Balkans were late entries to
the agenda. Tony Blair may speak on the Middle East. She
doesn't expect discussion on Kosovo as the conclusions
are focused on welcoming the pro-EU government of Serbia.
BUTLER

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