VZCZCXRO3827
PP RUEHAG RUEHROV
DE RUEHCP #0198 0611602
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 021602Z MAR 07
FM AMEMBASSY COPENHAGEN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3250
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES

C O N F I D E N T I A L COPENHAGEN 000198 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2017 
TAGS: PREL PGOV ENRG EUN DA
SUBJECT: DANISH VIEWS ON MARCH EU GAERC MINISTERIAL 
 
REF: STATE 23592 
 
Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor Bill Mozdzierz, reasons 1.4b,d 
 
¶1. (C) Danish MFA EU correspondent Nicolaj Hejberg Petersen 
reviewed for us the agenda for the March 5-6 GAERC and other 
issues outlined in reftel, indicating broad agreement with 
U.S. positions.  Petersen welcomed our constructive 
approaches to energy and climate issues, which he described 
as high priorities for the Danish government and this 
upcoming meeting.  He observed that positive signals from the 
U.S. augur well for good cooperation between the U.S. and the 
EU. 
 
¶2. (C) The Western Balkans are not likely to be a major issue 
at next week's GAERC, Petersen remarked, while noting Danish 
agreement with U.S. points on Bosnia and Serbia.  With 
negotiations ongoing in Vienna, the GAERC will probably say 
little about Kosovo.  Denmark remains firmly in support of 
Ahtisaari, Petersen stated.  There are evident divisions 
among EU members regarding how far to go in providing the 
Serbs with face-saving measures, he said, but such 
differences should not be exaggerated.  The Russians are 
obviously another matter, Petersen noted with a grimace.. 
 
¶3. (C) The Danish government is very pleased with our active 
engagement on the Middle East peace process in recent weeks, 
Petersen remarked.  U.S. leadership is essential.  Although 
Denmark shares the view that the Palestinian unity government 
absolutely must respect Quartet principles, Petersen observed 
that these principles place us in "something of a box" by 
requiring concessions in advance.  Recognition of Israel may 
be something Hamas could eventually accept, Petersen opined, 
but perhaps only in the course of a negotiation and not as a 
starting point. 
 
¶4. (C) Denmark will continue to push within the EU for the 
strongest possible measures against Iran in accordance with 
1737, Petersen pledged.  There are signs that international 
pressure may be having an effect, he said, and we cannot ease 
up.  Petersen expressed full Danish support for new UNSC 
sanctions, provided that unity of the Security Council can be 
maintained. 
 
¶5. (C) Sudan is another top priority for Denmark, Petersen 
stressed, and the Danish government will continue to support 
all efforts (sanctions, an eventual "Plan B") to induce 
Bashir to live up to his commitments.  Petersen reported that 
the EU has determined that it can use development assistance 
to support AMIS, and that individual member state 
contributions will also be considerable.  Petersen said that 
he understands that Germany will be able to provide around 20 
million euros, while Denmark can provide 1.3 million euros, 
perhaps a bit more. 
KAISER