VZCZCXYZ0002
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHMD #2197/01 3390952
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 050952Z DEC 07
FM AMEMBASSY MADRID
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3898
INFO RUEHRL/AMEMBASSY BERLIN 0633
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 0896
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 1463
RUEHPG/AMEMBASSY PRAGUE 1043
RUEHWR/AMEMBASSY WARSAW 0204
RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE 0151

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 002197 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
PASS TO EUR/FO: E. MESSMER, EUR/NCE: B. PUTNEY 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/02/2022 
TAGS: NATO OSCE EUR
SUBJECT: A/S FRIED MEETING WITH POLISH U/S WASZCZYKOWSKI 
 
 
Classified By: Assistant Secretary Daniel Fried for reasons 1.5 (b) and 
 (d) 
 
 ¶1. (C) Summary: Assistant Secretary Fried met with Polish 
Under Secretary Witold Waszczykowski on 11/30/07 on the 
margins of the 11/29-30/2007 Organization for Security and 
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial in Madrid. 
Waszczykowski said that while Poland does plan troop level 
reductions in Iraq, they will not likely occur before mid 
2008 and may not result in a complete withdrawal. The GoP 
plans to have a presence in Iraq for at least one more year, 
if not longer.  The GoP will determine its troop reduction 
plan in the next few months and will evaluate options for 
staying engaged in Iraq, including the possibility of 
staffing the NATO training mission. Waszczykowski also 
commented that, with respect to the Annex to the Missile 
Defense agreement, the GoP will be reasonable and not insist 
on all of the items listed.  However, if Poland is assured 
that the U.S. has a contingecy plan to provide assistance and 
defend the proposed base, it can reduce the Annex 
requirements. Waszczykowski also said that the GoP would like 
to start discussions with the military on possible items to 
purchase for the base.  Poland's new Foreign Minister, Radek 
Sikorski, is planning to engage with several countries in the 
coming weeks.  FM Sikorski has a meeting planned with Germany 
on December 6, and is planning a meeting with Russian Deputy 
Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak soon after.  Sikorski also 
plans to meet with France and the Czech Republic, and would 
like to visit the U.S. in February 2008 with new Prime 
Minister Donald Tusk. Waszczykowski also offered that the GoP 
is in a position to have a dialogue with both Cuba and Iran. 
Waszczykowski communicated the GoP's appreciation for being 
invited to Annapolis.  Finally, Waszczykowski asked for an 
off-the-record discussion regarding energy supply 
diversification.  End Summary. 
 
 
Iraq Drawdown 
------------- 
¶2. (C) During the first half of 2008, there will not be any 
significant changes in Polish troop levels in Iraq.  The GoP 
will be discussing the details of its drawdown in the next 
few months, and will likely reduce troop levels in the second 
half of 2008.  The GoP will implement PM Tusk's campaign 
pledge to pull out of Iraq, but may not withdraw completely. 
The GoP will evaluate options for remaining engaged in Iraq, 
including the possibility of staffing the NATO training 
mission and other options.  Waszczykowski said he expects 
Poland to have a presence in Iraq for at least one more year. 
 
 
 
Annex to Missile Defense Agreement 
---------------------------------- 
¶3. (C) The GoP recognizes that the requirements it included 
in the Second Annex to the Missile Defense agreement are 
substantial. However, Waszczykowski said that "Poland is not 
so stubborn as to want everything on the list." The more the 
GoP knows about U.S. contingency plans to provide assistance 
and defend the proposed base, the more willing it will be to 
reduce the Annex requirements. Also, Waszczykowski did 
indicate that the GoP would like to start discussions with 
the military on purchasing items for the base.  Waszczykowski 
said Poland is "open to compromise." 
 
 
Engagement with Germany,Russia,France,Czech Rep. & the U.S. 
--------------------------------------------- -------------- 
¶4. (C) Poland's new Foreign Minister, Radek Sikorski, is 
planning meetings with several countries in the coming weeks. 
 FM Sikorski's first scheduled meeting is with Germany on 
December 6.  If time permits, FM Sikorski may go to Germany 
right after the ministerial meeting.  Sikorski is also 
planning to meet with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei 
Kislyak soon after his Germany meeting. The meeting place is 
yet to be determined, but may take place in Moscow. 
Waszczykowski also said that the Russian government appears 
willing to invite PM Tusk to Moscow for a meeting.  Meetings 
are also being planned for the foreign ministries of France 
and the Czech Republic.  Waszczykowski also shared that PM 
Tusk and FM Sikorski would like to visit the United States, 
and proposed doing so in early February. 
 
 
Offering Dialogue with Cuba, Iran 
--------------------------------- 
¶5. (C) Waszczykowski was glad to report that the government 
of Cuba has not/not been blocking the activity of the Polish 
Ambassador.  The Cuban government has been responsive to the 
GoP, according to Waszczykowski. When asked by A/S Fried, 
Waszczykowski said that the GoP also talking with Cuban 
dissidents as well.  Waszczykowski mentioned the prospect of 
the GoP having a dialogue with Cuba.  Similarly, 
Waszczykowski said that the GoP can "talk with" Iran as well. 
 
 
Appreciation for Annapolis Invitation 
------------------------------------- 
¶6. (C) Finally, Waszczykowski shared the GoP's appreciation 
for being invited to attend the Annapolis Conference. The GoP 
considers the invitation a "good signal" of Poland's 
contributions.  FM Sikorski was able to speak at the plenary 
and participated fully in the conference.  He was also able 
to meet with several foreign ministers from the Middle East, 
including the FM of Saudi Arabia. 
AGUIRRE