VZCZCXRO3917
OO RUEHAG RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ
RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHSL #0140/01 0521624
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 211624Z FEB 06
FM AMEMBASSY BRATISLAVA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9546
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0039
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 BRATISLAVA 000140 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR IO A/S SILVERBERG AND IO/UNP EBROWN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PREL UN UNSC LO
SUBJECT: SCENESETTER FOR IO A/S SILVERBERG VISIT TO 
BRATISLAVA 
 
REF: BROWN-LYONS SIPRNET E-MAILS 
 
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED -- PLEASE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY 
 
SUMMARY AND INTRODUCTION 
------------------------ 
 
¶1.  (SBU)  Welcome to Slovakia.  The Embassy -- and moreover, 
the Slovaks -- are pleased to welcome you and IO/UNP DepDir 
Ed Brown to Bratislava March 3-7.  Your visit will help us 
institutionalize the already strong cooperation we enjoy with 
Slovakia within the UN Security Council (UNSC), as well as in 
NATO and the EU.  Slovakia has not been unwilling to part 
ways on certain issues with larger, older member states to 
enhance its relations with the U.S. and pursue its 
Transatlantic interests.  Within the UNSC, Slovakia worked 
hard to prepare itself for the challenges of Council 
membership, deploying additional diplomats to New York and 
shoring up its presence in regions where it is admittedly 
underrepresented, such as Africa.  While Slovakia considers 
itself "ready" for the two year seat, it is also mindful of 
the challenges it faces and is willing and ready to work with 
the United States here, in New York, and in Washington on 
issues where the U.S. has more experience.  In this regard, 
your visit will have very real positive impact on U.S. - 
Slovak cooperation, as the Slovaks crave not only a strong 
relationship with the U.S., but U.S. mentoring as well.  The 
confidence that Slovakia gains through such interactions 
serves as a "force multiplier" for U.S. transformational 
diplomacy goals, as Slovakia then feels encouraged to voice 
its positions -- which more times than not echo U.S. goals -- 
in international fora. 
 
¶2.  (SBU)  Since 1998, Slovakia has gone from being what 
Madeleine Albright once termed "the black hole of Europe" to 
the "Tatra Tiger".  NATO and EU membership were the focal 
points of the Slovak government and people and served as the 
engine of reform, and Slovakia engaged in a remarkable sprint 
(with U.S. and other donor support) to reach both those goals 
in the spring of 2004.  Slovakia now feels proud, and indeed 
compelled, to share this democratization and reform 
experience abroad, particularly in areas where it feels it 
has a "niche capability:" Ukraine, Belarus, and the western 
Balkans.  The GOS works hand in hand with Slovak NGOs to 
accomplish this goal, and Slovakia stands with the U.S. on 
the vanguard of freedom and democracy abroad.  However, 
despite their good intentions, Slovakia remains more hesitant 
than we would prefer to speak up in most NATO and EU 
meetings; we hope you will take the opportunity to 
congratulate Slovakia on its international role and encourage 
them to speak more freely when "at the table" in Brussels and 
New York. 
 
INTERNAL POLITICS 
----------------- 
 
¶3.  (SBU)  Prime Minister Dzurinda heads what remains of a 
four-party coalition government that -- after the recent 
defection of one partner -- faces early elections June 17. 
It has long since lost its majority and relied upon the 
goodwill of independent deputies to continue its program.  It 
had earlier lost the pro-market, culturally liberal ANO party 
parted ways with the coalition in August 2005, when its 
leader, Pavol Rusko, was removed as Minister of Economy 
following a financial scandal. 
 
¶4.  (SBU)  All parties, including coalition members, are 
acutely aware of the fragility of Dzurinda's position so it 
will be important to recognize the contributions that all 
governing parties and members of parliament have made in 
implementing Slovakia's successful reform program. 
Opposition parties once critical of Dzurinda's close 
relationship with the U.S. tell us that, for the moment, they 
do not plan on bringing the strong Transatlantic relationship 
into the political fray, either positively or negatively. 
 
FOREIGN POLICY 
-------------- 
 
¶5.  (SBU)  Dzurinda (and most of Slovakia in general) is 
instinctively pro-American, and he has sealed his legacy as 
the Prime Minister who reintegrated Slovakia into European 
and transatlantic structures.  NATO accession in March 2004 
and EU accession in May 2004 were the result of the 
aggressive foreign policy and internal reform program during 
Dzurinda's first (1999-2002) and second (2002-2006) terms. 
In March 2004, Dzurinda hosted the "Bratislava II" conference 
to encourage other European and Eurasian countries on their 
 
BRATISLAVA 00000140  002 OF 004 
 
 
paths to modernization.  President Bush's February 2005 visit 
to Bratislava solidified the sense of accomplishment for both 
the government and the people, and remains a point of pride 
for Slovakia. 
 
¶6.  (SBU)  The Dzurinda government has been steadfast in its 
military commitments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans, 
and maintains peacekeepers in UN PKO's around the world. 
Slovakia's deployments to OIF, OEF, and KFOR underscore its 
commitment to the war on terror.  Slovakia is contributing 
roughly 650 troops to military operations around the world -- 
a number that is high in relation to the population of the 
country -- and is now shifting away from (often reimbursable) 
UN peacekeeping operations towards NATO-, EU-, and U.S.-led 
operations. 
 
¶7.  (SBU)  Slovakia often agrees with U.S. foreign policy 
objectives, but is rarely an outspoken actor in international 
institutions.  With its term on the UNSC, as well as through 
its membership in both NATO and the EU, our challenge is 
encouraging the Slovaks to play a more active role in 
formulating policies in these organizations.  The GOS sees 
its niche in policy toward the Balkans and its Eastern 
neighbors (Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova).  It has been and 
can be very helpful both through formal government channels 
and through NGO activities helping to build civil society. 
Most recently, Slovak Political Director Ambassador Miroslav 
Lajcak was named EU "facilitator" to organize the Montenegrin 
referendum. 
 
SLOVAKIA AT THE UNSC: THE STORY SO FAR 
------------------------------------ 
 
¶8.  (SBU)  Slovak priorities in the UNSC are, in many ways, 
similar to the U.S.:  Slovakia is bullish on reform efforts, 
non-proliferation, and counterterrorism issues.  The Dzurinda 
government's pro-U.S. stance extends to the Council chambers, 
where the GOS wanted to "hit the ground running" and continue 
the work begun by its predecessor in the Council, Romania. 
In response to Embassy demarches and engagement, the GOS is 
engaged, inquisitive, and in many cases thirsty for 
additional information from Washington regarding issues and 
approaches to the Council agenda.  Slovakia has expressed 
support for the expansion of the Security Council, and has 
backed Germany and Japan for permanent seats. 
 
¶9.  (SBU)  Within its UN reform agenda, Slovakia has four 
main reform priorities:  the establishment of the 
peacebuilding commission (PBC), the creation of the Human 
Rights Council (HRC), management reform, and ECOSOC reform. 
 
¶10.  (SBU)  Slovakia has publicly and privately outlined its 
UNSC policy agenda as follows:  regionally, its priorities 
are the Western Balkans (specifically Kosovo status), Cyprus, 
Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.  Substantively, Slovakia 
focuses on counter-terrorism and non-proliferation, and 
desires to carry on the initiatives started by Romania 
regarding contacts between the UNSC and regional 
organizations as outlined in UNSC Resolution 1631.  Slovakia 
has also outlined its "values" agenda, identifying respect 
for democratic principles, human rights, the rule of law, and 
good governance as its priority topics. 
 
¶11.  (SBU)  In brief, Slovakia has been fully supportive of 
our reform agenda, feels the Peacebuilding Commission is 
"needed desperately," has committed itself politically and 
financially to the UN Democracy Fund, and continues to focus 
the attention of both governmental and non-governmental 
entities towards the democratic transition process. 
 
¶12.  (SBU)  Slovak diplomats have told us in the past about 
the handicap they suffered during the country's split with 
the Czech Republic, as many seasoned Slovak diplomats chose 
to remained in Prague and continue their careers there.  The 
GOS therefore sees UNSC membership as a chance to both raise 
their international profile and cement their position as a 
uniquely-suited exporter of democracy; any public 
congratulation of their efforts only encourages more action 
on their part.  For the U.S., Slovakia's two year tenure on 
the UNSC is win-win. 
 
¶13.  (SBU)  We have engaged the Slovaks on the general issue 
of applying international sanctions to change a government's 
behavior.  The Slovaks are frustrated with those EU members 
opposed in principle to the application of sanctions. 
Slovakia is ready to impose "targeted" sanctions as a 
legitimate tool, and are willing to argue this point within 
EU councils.  The Slovaks, however, do not support more 
 
BRATISLAVA 00000140  003 OF 004 
 
 
general sanctions (e.g., in the potential case of Iran or 
Syria). 
 
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT 
---------------------- 
 
¶14.  (SBU)  Slovakia has been called an investors' paradise 
and it is now poised to become a regional economic power, 
especially in the automotive industry.  Reforms have made 
Slovakia an economic success story and captured the attention 
of policymakers and businesspeople around the world. 
Cumulative foreign direct investment has quintupled in the 
past five years and American companies are the third largest 
investors.  U.S. Steel's Kosice operation is the largest 
economic force in Slovakia and the well-regarded company won 
the Department of State's 2003 Award for Corporate 
Excellence.  The U.S. has a disproportionately large and 
positive presence in economically depressed eastern Slovakia. 
 As the standard of living increases (Bratislava is above the 
EU average, though the rest of the country lags well behind), 
there will be a bigger market for U.S. trade as well.  Our 
very strong economic ties will help balance EU influence and 
provide a sturdy framework for our overall relationship for 
many years to come. 
 
¶15.  (SBU)  Corruption continues to be a problem throughout 
Slovakia, particularly in the health sector, and the broad 
immunity from conflict of interest and financial disclosure 
laws which MPs and judges enjoy continues to be criticized by 
watchdog groups.  Nevertheless, economic growth and increased 
western investment have brought with them higher business 
standards.  Parliament passed a law creating a special 
prosecutor's office and court system for corruption cases, 
and there have been several highly-publicized charges of past 
and current government officials on corruption charges.  Both 
anecdotally and in measures such as the Transparency 
International index, the overall level of corruption appears 
to have diminished over the last several years. 
 
PUBLIC OPINION 
-------------- 
 
¶16.  (SBU)  Slovak citizens generally view the U.S. 
favorably; they remember American support for freedom in 
Central Europe, and many Slovaks have family ties to the U.S. 
 Nonetheless, public opinion does not keep pace with the 
government on issues like Iraq, where only 21 percent of the 
population favored the deployment of Slovak troops.  However, 
public opposition has not been strongly voiced, and there 
were no large-scale anti-Iraq war demonstrations.  Support 
for NATO membership has recovered to 58% after a low two 
years ago of 35%.  Compared to other Europeans, fewer Slovaks 
think their country should take an active part in world 
affairs.  The GOS, on the other hand, is forward-leaning and 
prides itself on its overseas activities and capabilities. 
 
VISAS 
----- 
 
¶17.  (SBU)  The visa issue is one of the greatest irritants 
in terms of public opinion.  Slovak citizens strongly believe 
they should be given visa-free travel to the United States 
because Slovakia has proven to be such a staunch U.S. ally, 
and because it is now a member of both NATO and the EU.  In 
October 2004 the embassy and the GOS set up a bilateral 
working group on consular issues; it met both in February and 
June of 2005 and laid out actions for both the GOS and USG. 
We have already adopted many best practices recommendations 
from CA in order to streamline the visa application process. 
While GOS officials recognize they must temper expectations 
and acknowledge that Slovak behavior (overstays and fraud) 
contribute to the situation, they continue to press for 
Slovakia's eventual admission to the Visa Waiver Program. 
 
ROMA AND OTHER MINORITIES 
------------------------- 
 
¶18.  (SBU)  Slovakia's transition to a diverse, multicultural 
society is not complete.  The GOS has made efforts to improve 
the lives of its Roma population living in poverty, but 
progress has been slow and a comprehensive solution will 
likely require the EU to take a major role.  Anti-Semitism 
and xenophobia still persist in certain elements of Slovak 
society, although repudiated by mainstream politicians.  In 
President Bush's 2005 inaugural address he emphasized that a 
nation cannot export freedom if it tolerates racism at home, 
and it is a point that is as relevant in Slovakia as in the 
U.S. 
 
BRATISLAVA 00000140  004 OF 004 
 
 
 
EXPORT CONTROLS/ARMS SALES 
-------------------------- 
 
¶19.  (SBU)  Under previous regimes, Slovakia was a supplier 
of arms and other goods to less-desirable regimes.  Some of 
these old habits have not completely gone away.  GOS export 
controls are now much stronger, and we are regularly 
consulted in advance of questionable sales.  Still, interest 
persists in trade with Libya, Belarus, Iran, and other 
countries of concern.  It would be useful to thank the GOS 
for consulting with us and to reiterate our concerns about 
putting commerce ahead of security or human rights.  Slovakia 
considers non-proliferation another one of its niche 
capabilities, and has sought out leadership opportunities on 
this issue in the UNSC. 
 
WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR VISIT 
----------------------------- 
 
¶20.  (SBU)  Slovakia is a willing and able partners for U.S. 
Transformational Diplomacy objectives, and a friendly face at 
the table in New York.  Your visit -- during which you will 
meet with senior MFA leadership responsible for UN affairs, 
as well as local opinion leaders and media representatives -- 
will help improve the already strong working relationship 
between our two countries, as well as provide Slovakia with 
additional confidence to take a more vocal position in 
international fora.  We look forward to your visit to 
Bratislava. 
VALLEE