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### Viewing cable 09HELSINKI177, FINLAND ON THE MAY GAERC

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Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
09HELSINKI177 | 2009-05-15 14:30 | 2011-04-24 00:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Helsinki

`

    VZCZCXYZ0001
    RR RUEHWEB

    DE RUEHHE #0177/01 1351430
    ZNY CCCCC ZZH
    R 151430Z MAY 09
    FM AMEMBASSY HELSINKI
    TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4963
    INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
    RUEHCH/AMEMBASSY CHISINAU 0037
    RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 4994
    RUEHSI/AMEMBASSY TBILISI 0223

` `

    C O N F I D E N T I A L HELSINKI 000177

    SIPDIS

    E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2019
    TAGS: EUN FI MARR PGOV PREL
    SUBJECT: FINLAND ON THE MAY GAERC

    REF: A. REF: MAY 9
         ¶B. 2009 J. GIAUQUE EMAIL

    Classified By: Political Chief Scott Brandon for reasons 1.4(b) and (d)

    ¶1. (C) SUMMARY.  The Finns doubt stronger language on Iran
    will issue from the May GAERC, given the lack of consensus
    regarding tougher sanctions. Though discussion within the EU
    has been limited, early signs are positive regarding
    continuation of Operation ATALANTA off the Horn of Africa.
    Signs are mixed, however, regarding continuation of Operation
    ALTHEA in Bosnia.  The Finns no longer consider ALTHEA a
    military crisis management operation and plan to withdraw
    most troops in June; they acknowledge a lack of consensus on
    this within the EU, though their position may be gaining
    adherents.  The GAERC provides the last opportunity for
    Member States to provide guidance in advance of the EU-Russia
    Summit; the Finns would like to see more vigorous attention
    to a successor to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
    with Russia.  Some matters may be unripe for discussion at
    the GAERC, like the Middle East (given Prime Minister
    Netanyahu's visit to Washington) and Moldova (given upcoming
    elections).  END SUMMARY.

    ¶2. (C) On May 14 Polchief met with the MFA Director for
    European Common Foreign and Security Policy Leena-Kaisa
    Mikkola to discuss the May GAERC agenda.  Mikkola said the
    agenda would be more limited than usual, given the inclusion
    of a special meeting of Foreign and Defense Ministers. The
    Middle East is not on the agenda, and will be taken up later,
    after Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington.
    Mikkola also expressed disappointment with how the Czechs
    have been handling agenda items, saying that there is often
    limited clarity about what will be discussed.  Highlights
    follow.

    ¶3. (C) IRAN: EU Member States (MS) have not arrived at a
    consensus regarding sanctions. The Finnish Government (GOF)
    "basically" agrees with the U.S. points (REF). According to
    Mikkola, "southern" MSs are reluctant to tighten sanctions.
    Mikkola expected that supporters of stronger language would
    not meet that objective.

    ¶4. (C) ATALANTA: Mikkola said the EU's Operation ATALANTA
    seemed to be working quite well, and the GOF is willing to
    continue cooperation.  Discussion within the EU of an
    extension has not really begun.  Mikkola does not expect much
    opposition to an extension, given MSs' interest in unhindered
    shipping.  Early signs are positive, "even from Germany,"
    Mikkola added.  How the EU might address instability in
    Somalia itself is the tougher question.  Mikkola said some
    discussions on the matter had taken place within the Council,
    but she did not know whether the Foreign and Defense
    Ministers would address it at the GAERC.

    ¶5. (C) EU-RUSSIA SUMMIT: The GAERC will provide the last
    chance to give guidance before the upcoming Summit.  Mikkola
    expects the main focus of the Summit will be the financial
    crisis, with the EU underlining that protectionism will not
    provide a solution.  The Finns would like to see a "renewed
    impetus" on a successor to the current Partnership and
    Cooperation Agreement.

    ¶6. (C) MOLDOVA: Mikkola had not heard any discussion of an
    EU-led investigation into the April 7 violence, but knew of
    limited discussions pointing to the importance of a role for
    the Council of Europe in any investigation.  She did not
    expect in-depth discussion of Moldova, as the more
    appropriate time would be after the Presidential election
    later this month.

    ¶7. (C) BOSNIA/ALTHEA OPERATION: Mikkola said that the GOF
    differs from the U.S. on Operation ALTHEA.  The Finns no
    longer view it as a military crisis management operation.
    They believe the mission should come to a close and the EU
    should focus on training and mentoring.  Mikkola said some
    within the EU have complained of "sudden withdrawals." The
    Finns believe their decision to withdraw all but 3-5 troops
    in June is not sudden and has long been known.  Mikkola said
    that at one time their position was in the clear minority in
    the EU.  That has changed, and she estimated it more at 50-50
    or above for their position.  Mikkola acknowledged the EU
    remains far from a consensus on this point.

    ¶8. (C) GEORGIA: Mikkola expressed doubts about the OSCE
    continuing its mission. She said the EU must consider
    continuation of its role and mission in light of the problems
    confronting the OSCE mission, adding that discussion has not
    started.  Mikkola said that beyond these missions the EU must
    consider how to bring Georgia and the EU closer.  The GOF
    strongly favors pursuing "visa facilitation," trade
    liberalization and an Association Agreement.  Mikkola said
    the EU must do morethan simply signing papers with the
    Georgians, they must take actions that show concrete
    progress.
    BUTLER

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