Cablegate: Hungary's View On Rebutting Russia's Claims

VZCZCXRO6614
PP RUEHAG RUEHDF RUEHIK RUEHLZ RUEHROV
DE RUEHUP #0916 2631033
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 191033Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY BUDAPEST
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3397
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS BUDAPEST 000916

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/CE JAMIE LAMORE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM HU RS GG
SUBJECT: HUNGARY'S VIEW ON REBUTTING RUSSIA'S CLAIMS
AGAINST GEORGIA

REF: SECSTATE 98030

1. (SBU) MFA Security and Non-proliferation Department Head
Vilmos Hamikus discussed reftel with PolOff on September 17.
Hamikus commented that Hungary would most likely work within
the EU framework rather than making an individual statement
on Russia's genocide claim. He noted that the September
15-16 GAERC meeting was entirely devoted to the EU's planned
observer mission in Georgia and the reftel subject was not
addressed.

2. (SBU) Queried as to possible Hungarian participation in
the EU mission, Hamikus said that their offer of a POLAD was
turned down but Hungary was still offering five observers for
the 200 person contingent, noting that there are currently
300 volunteers. He stated that the EU wants at least a
twenty-person team and an armored vehicle from participating
countries, making it difficult for Hungary to contribute to
the operation. Hamikus stated that they were in discussion
with Austria and France about a cooperative effort to allow
Hungarian participation.
Foley

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