c0 us. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188115 Date: 01roer201? CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 2 From: Vetter, Charles IN PART Sent: W?l'20?l2 5:15:12 AM To: SMART Core Subject: Georgia: OPIC Due Diligence Regarding Potential Finance Support for Tsinandaii Estates, LLC SBU MRN: 12 TBILISI 1628 Jul GB, 2012 I061214Z JUL 12 From: AMEMBASSY TBILISI Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE IMMEDIATE E.0.: 13526 TAGS: EINV, EFIN, OPIC, GG Captions: SENSITIVE, SIPDIS Reference: 12 STATE 59313 Pass Line: DEPT FOR KENNETH ANGELL AT OPIC Subject: Ge?rgia: OPIC Due Diligence Regarding Potential Finance Support for Tsinandali Estates, LL 1. Per reftel, Embassy inquiries did not retreat derogatory information that would raise concerns about OPIC financial support for Tsinandali Estates, LLC for the purpose of constructing, developing, and operating a hotel. i B4 We note that Silk Road Group has undertaken general large hotel projects in Tbilisi and Batumi Most notably, theyI have partnered with Donald Trump to use his name for Trump towers in Batumi and Tbilisi. l7 Signature BASS AUTHORITY: Charles Laniguera, Senior "T-lReviewer Dratted By: Charles Cleared By: PolIEcon:Ashworth, John Approved By: PoIIEconzAshworth, John Released By: TBILISlz'u'etIer, Charles Info: EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE neonate Action Pest: Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI FI ED Page 1 of 2 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188115 Date: O1l05l201?? 6 1 8 8 1 U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188115 Date: Fl CATI ON: Fi ED Page 2 of 2 EU CLASSI Fl 0N: UNCLASSI F1 ED Page 2 of 2 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188115 Date: 01f06f201? CO 6 1 8 8 2 US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188124 Date: 01f06f201? CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 5 From: smear Archive RELEASE IN Pant?] Sent: 2l12f2016 10:50:13 AM To: SMART Core Subject: Vienna Weekly Report, February 8 12, 2016 SBU MRN: 1B MBA 2792 DatelDTG: Feb 12, 2016 1215502 FEB 15 From: Lundberg, Eric F. Action: Lundberg, En'c ROUTTNE Piergalski. Timothy aounNE E.O.: 13525 TAGS: PREF, MARR, EFIN, PGDV, SMIG, ETRD, EAGR, PREL, KJUS, ECON, ENRG, ELTN, PHUM, EUN, AT Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: Vienna Weekly Report, February 3 - 12, 2016 .l ., 9 Em oa?esy "Wen me ?13? 9:13 - :1 Vienna Weekly Report February 3 - 12, 2016 New Defense Minister Hopes to Reverse Austerity Course; Foresees Repatriation Flights (Ll) In view of the ongoing refugee crisis, Defense Minister Hans Peter Doskozil plans to reverse the MDD's austerity course set in 2014, thus heeding an all-party call by MPs in December 2015 to secure more funds. In a first move, Doskozil wants to recruit 1,000 new soldiers, halt the planned dissolution of individual companies within army battalions, increase the number ofarmy exercises, and procure more army equipment. Since taking office, the new defense chief has come under pressure from army brass and grass-roots military organizations to undo recent structural belt-tightening reforms that were viewed as ?lethal? by the Austrian army. At 0.55% of GDP, Austria?s current military budget is at a record low. (SBU) The Defense Minister also announced on February 10 that initial repatriation flights for rejected asylum applicants could ensue within the next for weeks. Austria?sthree Hercules 0130K planes couid be deployed, affording a more flexible approach than that used bythe EU's border management system Frontex, he argued. The Austrian government is seeking bilateral agreements with Morocco, Afghanistan and other North African states to return rejected asylum applicants. In parallel developments, Austria will join Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia in providing, plans border police to assist the Macedonians on their border with Greece. Austria registered some 9,000 asylum applications in 2016 so far. Defense Minister Weighs Participation in EU-led Afghanistan, Libya, Balkans Missions (U) Defense Minister Hans Peter Dcskozil (SPO) announced that Austria was considering participation in a German?led mountain training program in Afghanistan. Following the February 5 NATO-EU Defense Ministerial in Amsterdam, Doskozil said that Austria would also contribute to a Frontex civil-military operation in the Balkans and could join an anticipated EU mission in Libya to train police forces. Austria is already the largest contributor to peacekeeping missions: Kcsovo, with 514 soldiers; and Bosnia, where Austria REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior 9 Reviewer i CLASSI Fl CATI UN: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 1 of 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188124 Date: 01l06f201? CO 6188 US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188124 Date: 01i06i2017 CLASSI Fl ON: UNCLABSI Fl ED Page 2 of 5 holds the command and deploys 215 soldiers. Foreign Minister Engages Balkan Countries on Refugee Crisis, EU Accession (U) Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz?s (DVP) conducted a ?ve-day tour to six Western Balkan countries to discuss the current refugee crisis and individual perspectives for eventual EU membership. A champion of Western Balkan integration in the EU, Kurz has recently led on the argument in Austria to pay more attention to migration transits through the Balkans as a result of Greece?s inability or unwillingness to stem the flow. Serbian PM Aleksandar Vucic and FM lvica Dacic told visiting FM Kurz in Belgrade on February 9that, should Austria enact a stricter border regime, Serbia would itself ?take appropriate measures, presumably stricter border measures towards Macedonia. In Kosovo, Foreign Minister Hashim Thaci told Kurz that his country would coordinate closely with the EU and its neighbors and ?act in the spirit of solidarity should the refugees choose his country as a transit point. During his visit, FM Kurz also cautioned Kosovars that, as citizens ofa ?safe country," would have no chance for asylum in Austria, and would face immediate repatriation. Border Officials Consider More Fences to Control Migrant Flow (SBU) Austrian authorities are considering the construction of additional barriers at three additional border crossings, as they foresee migration patterns shifting away from the main Austrian-Slovene border crossing at Spielfeldl Sentilj to points further west. While no concrete sites have been con?rmed yet, observers expect the new border measures to be built at the Austrian?Slovene border crossing on the A11 autobahn (Karawankentunnel), the nearby Austrian-ltalian border crossing on the A2 autobahn, and at the Brenner pass between Tyrol province and Italy (A22 autobahn). The proposed barriers would not extend along the entire border, but rather be built in the vicinity of border crossings in order to channel refugees and migrants to border stations, where they can be registered. That said, authorities continue to only keep those fingerprints of asylum seekers to Austria, destroying the records of those who travel onward, ostensibly out of concern for ?data privacy? but also to avoid having Austria listed as the first country of entry under Dublin 11. Ukrainian Oligarch Blames United States for Ukraine ?5 Failures In an interview with Vienna daily Kurier on February 7, wanted oligarch Firtash claimed that the current state of Ukraine suggests that ?the U.S. strategy has failed.? Arguing that U.S. politics had also failed in the Middle East and other countries, Firtash said that a collapsed Ukraine would confront the EU with 45 million potential refugees. Firtash also alleged that Ukraine's Prime Minister and Interior Minister recently collaborated with the Americans to prevent his return to Ukraine. Firtash is awaiting a ruling by a Vienna appellate court with regard to a lower court?s rejection of the U.S. extradition request. Presidential Elections: ?Austrian Trump" Joins Race (U) Austrian construction tycoon Richard Lugner (83} on February tljoined the presidential race as an independent candidate, thusjoining four party candidates and one non~party entrant for the April 24 presidentiai elections. Lugner, who won around 10% of the vote in the 1998 presidential race, is running on a pro-business, pro-neutrality, and traditionalist platform, notwithstanding his star-studded flirtations at the annual Opera Ball. Highlighting his success asa businessman and the ?50 million he?s paid in taxes over the years, Lugner referred to Donald Trump as his model, ?though without the wild-west manners." Latest polls con?rm the lead for former Green Party chairman Alexander Van der Bellen followed by independent judge Irmard Griss and right-populist Freedom Party (FPD) candidate Norbert Hofer Mainstream party candidates from the Social Democrats and the Austrian People's Party are ranked 4th and respectively. Lugner currently polls about While it is far too early to make solid predictions, some pundits claim Lugner's candidacy could siphon off populist votes from both the Social Democrats and the FPO, thus eroding chances for these two party nominees to make the second-round run-off. CLASSI Fl CATI ON: Fl ED Page 2 of 5 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188124 Date: 01f06l2017 6 1 8 8 2 U.S. Department of State Case NO. Doc No. Date: Fl CATI 0N: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 3 of 5 Austrian CEDs Pessimistic about Economy (U) A survey undertaken by indicated that only 38% ofAustrian CEOs expect an improvement in the economy?s growth rate in 2015. This is considerably tower than the worldwide ?gure of 60%. The majority of Austrian CEC-s highlight the negative investment climate, stating that they are willing to invest but not under the current conditions. Key concerns include Austria's per capita debt of ?30,000, which ranks higher than Greece's, as weil as abnormally high administrative expenses. in Austria administrative expenses are estimated at ?1,2?0 per employee, whereas the EU average lies at?850 per employee. Austria is currently suffering from weak private sector growth with many pointing out lack of investment as a key concern with respect to sustainabie, long-term growth. Breakdown of Schengen Would Cost Austria 1.2 billion Per Year Christoph Leitl, head of the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO), expressed concern that, ifthe refugee crisis caused the abolition of Schengen, the costs for Austria would be at least ?12 billion per year. Leitl considers this figure to be a conservative estimate, since it does not account for potential losses in the tourism industry -- in particuiar, tourists who undertake day trips to Austria for shopping and leisure. A recent research paper from the think tank France Strategic estimates the total EiJ?wide cost ofa potential Schengen closure to be ?110 billion over 10 years. OMV Starts Sales Process for 49% of the Gas Pipeline Network (SBU) OMV on February 11 announced the sale of_a_49% minority shareindomestic DMV subsidiarv cas pipeline network Gas Connect. I: 1 B4 i OMV stressed that all strategic gas network providers and ?nance investors would be to participate in the Citibank?supervised auction, but denied that there was any interest by Gazprom.? directly informed the followmg companies ofthe sate: I l_ 7 Many Austrians are upset with the potential sale of Gas Connect to foreign interests and wouid prefer an Austrian solution with Austrian investors. Agriculture Minister Criticizes Russia Sanctions and Draws ?Red Lines" for TTIP, while Food Industry Chief Favors (U) At the annual Austrian agriculture "Winter Event" organized on February 3 by the moderate agriculture and environment group, Eco Social Forum, Agriculture Minister Andras Rupprechter lamented the 43% decline in food and agriculture exports to Russia. These sanctions ?hurt a lot," he exclaimed, although he acknowledged that Austrian enterprises had compensated by increasing exports to other countries. Rupprechter said he remained open in principle to while repeating his ?red lines" on food environmental standards and geographical indications. ?If necessary, we wilt say no to no deal is better than a bad deal.? On a more positive note, the managing director ofAustria'sfood industry in an interview with a business daily emphasized that is ?essential for the food industry, which has increased its exports to the 1.1.5. by 40% last year and whose share of exports in overall sales is 60%. New Transportation Minister Focusing on Major infrastructure Investments and Safe Driving (U) Newty appointed Minister for Transportation, innovation, and Technology Gerald Klug, in various interviews, announced investments worth ?25 billion over the next five years in Austria?s road, rail, communication, and energy networks as well asin commercial research. He avoided questions on possible sales of government holdings in oil company OMV, Telecom or infrastructure networks by claiming this has to Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 3 of 5 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188124 Date: 01f06t2017 US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188124 Date: 01f06i201? CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 4 of 5 be judged on a case-to-case basis. With regard to road safety, he announced that Austria intends to become a forerunner in reducing the number of accidents due to distracted -driving by prohibiting texting and the reading of emails while driving. ?No Negotiations with HETA Creditors (U) Finance Minister Hans Jorg Scheiling told HETA creditors that there will be no negotiations prior tothe March 11 deadline of the government?s offer of accepting payment of 75% oftheir outstanding debt. Carinthia's Finance Minister Gaby Schaunig underscored that, it offers are not accepted, the result would be a litigation process that would imposing substantiat costs on both sides. She noted that many of Can? nthia?s assets wouid by law be beyond the reach of creditors. Schaunig also cautioned that those creditors in favor of accepting the offer could potentially sue those who opposed, should no agreement be reached. Many creditors have so far been opposed to the "hair-cut,? voicing displeasure at the government's unwillingness to negotiate. The case is gaining increasing attention in the finance worid as its outcome may set a precedent for other similar insolvency cases in the EU. Number of New Startups Legs Behind EU Average (U) While the number of new companies in Austria has increased by 4.8% in 2015, this figure is still below the EU average of 15%. Administrative barriers are frequently cited as a key obstacle; while the average amount of workdays invested in starting up a company 10days in Austria. The government is currently developing measures to reduce the administrative burden on startups, such as having approval of ali of?ce administered through a central authority and abolishing the 1% company tax tee. Controversy over Criticism of Mauthausen Nazi Camp Inmates Widespread criticism has been voiced over a decision by the Pubtic Prosecutor's Office in Graz to drop the case against an author who published an article that described recently?liberated Mauthausen Nazi camp inmates asa ?scourge.? The article, published in the Julyir August edition of Die Aula, asserted that, after the camp's Nazi guards had fled at the end of World War ii, a ?non-negligible portion of freed prisoners became a scourge on people? in the surrounding communities. Following a complaint from the Greens, Graz prosecutors initiated criminal proceedings against the author on charges of inciting hatred and violating anti-neo-Nazi laws. Prosecutors later dropped the charges, arguing that, since Mauthausen inmates included previously convicted criminals, in addition to victims of the Nazi regime, it ?could not be ruied out that crimes were committed? by former inmates. Federal Justice Ministry officials criticized the Graz prosecutors? decision as "incomprehensi ble and complained that the prosecutors should have called witnesses to cian'fy whether the case constituted a violation ofanti?neo Nazi laws. Deadlines for the Justice Ministry to instruct the Graz prosecutors to reconsider the case have, however, expired. The Greens threatened to refile their complaint. The Austrian Mauthausen Committee condemned the ?generaiizations? made by the prosecutor, but acknowiedged that, during the time between the departure of the SS from Mauthausen and the arrival of the U.S. troops in May 1945, some inmates attempted to obtain food for survival, ?aiso against the will ofthe local population." An estimated 197,464 prisoners passed through the Mauthausen camp system between August 1933 and May 1945. At least 14,000 were Jewish, but others included members of other persecuted minorities, resistance ?ghters (including from the Spanish Civil War), and more than 10.000 Soviet prisoners ofwar. Upcoming International, Regional, and Austrian Events April 24, 2016 Austrian Presidential Elections First Round May 22, 201E- Austrian Presidential Elections Second Round (if needed) Juiy 8 Austrian Presidential Inauguration July 3-9, 2015 NATO Summit, Warsaw CLASSI Fl ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 4 of 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016u06405 Doc No. (306188124 Date: 0111061201? 6 1 8 8 1 2 US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 006188124 Date: D1f06f201? CLASSI Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 5 of 5 Drafted By: ViENNAzLerch, Andreas; Schratt, Alex; Stolhyitzer. Leo; Der?nger, Uschi Cleared By: James Kelly Approved By: ECON-POLiundberg, Eric Released By: ViENN?izLundberg. Eric Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy EU Fi CATI 0N: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 5 of 5 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 006188124 Date: 01f061201? {10-61 8 81 1 Departnent of State Case ND. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 606-183-114 Date: 0.1106301? DSAEEIFIDATIDN: CONFIDENTIAL P39111015 From: mgmn? ELEASE IN PART sent: 51122010 92.14111 PM 1.403131. 1. TD: 03:! 31mm: DADAU- LEADERSHIP- '10 KGNG May 13.521110 11301192 From; Home RUDD Action: WADHDD, E104 1-2953 HK, .mp?ons': SIPDIS 11mm: HDND [10116765 Pill Una: DEPT EAPICM Subject: WITH 5311031111930 LEADERSHIP DD IIFID EN TI AL Dir-Dis. Sil'afa's'ifiuatipn' Exiandad ,Oll' 12109172016 Class: CQNFIDEHHAL Autho?ty; Dam-'1 1-1 Declauify on: DEPT FDR EAPIDM ED 1?29531- os'nz'tzoz'o TAGS: PGOV PREL HR. MG. KIFR SUD-JEDT DDS MEETINGS MAGAU LEADERSHIP REF: I-IDND mm 755 rammed DenmI Stephen M'Yomgi fu'r Theseus 1 4 1 CID-lug lhe- Cami Generars May: 10:41:11 haexpmd US. for law' enforcement map-?r??un 'a'nd raised. a range concerns In separate 'med?nas wiih MacaIrS tap I?sdei'shfp He magma divdls'?na?un Df?auau'? Sammy. Banqu' Dallas a'nd_ labor pmhiams In Menu. Conan! Gemiai Prom; mined the late: Donald Tnunp sent in Chin! mm Fernando Gimp, 111D 1 111m Consul dimumd Incas ?nd Ma'i?a'ndjt?md'es towards ULS. imm?gnt, Va: in?ll -as,labur Swag-M111 a U.S.Iua_n1lng unqu?w. END Grier Emcutiira Farr-awn Dhu'l REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charla-2: Lahig'u'era?enlnr Reviewer Pana-1'ef'5 . UNCUESSIFIED Case ND. 'F-20?16at16405' Dte: (3:0 618 8 1 1 U38. Department tit-State Case No; F?201e-oeeos Doc No. coat-3311.4 Date: oirooizoi-i- Page 2 of 5' 2. Over-May 1eluhith .with Meoeu Chict Enema Foi'nanItto Quit Bet-om the Conwl Geherel raised. 4.1..5 concerns otter restrictions on hiring quali?ed etett tor U. S. tiI'i Moan. Chui said he one working on this issue .and noted that 2. 500 wieiripioyed workers. ?trill-it}l in the construction indltetrii mute soon be momeioyed.? wtioh Iiihould- help 11-.5. .tl'IhtEStOt'IS compttete thelr consttuotion proleois in Coral. Quit was uilieet ottitofenoe atthie years May 1 retires, pointing? out. that; the Basic L'aw allowed for- demonstrations on long; eethoy ware peaceful and' within the- tow. The Count! General also reieed the March 17 letter {passed to us by that Donetitt Trump'I Berti: to tin CE, mi: or: alleged inhtrigei'rieht bye Macon rositcrit who opened Lupe; Iroeteiirent using the Truth]:- heme. Young feir'eeSEd the tor htoottu otemtco?np -U. S. and global brand nemiee. Qiui he had not Shah 1115 tether- but directed his Chief of Stett'Aic'xte Tomato-toilet! up. Wk provided Tomwith e-oopy with: Twp-"motrooge. Seem-it! secretary. Gaming. Counterfeit .CorronIcy and Arth- 4? 3031 security Sammy. 'Cheong Kine-ire ?urihetl- tho L15. tor the support of Meoeu'h law enforcement 'aInd launderini efforts. Asked what his greateot encuithr oonoem was, Cheoi'g stated that itweo the .peming but noted that the Eureou had. good with hath hiathtand and. ?nite Kohg outintorpe?o- Choong woo riot about the limit the built eoeh deoteiotton system given the good Itoopereiioh from Maoau's He oimtethed- that white Meow We: a rm port with no limits on cash brought imits Fimnoiut inhet?gerioe UrIiit (Flt!) monitored Itor money thundering end reported any e'tmpiei'oue activity. in tho- Hittite and the Pmeeoutei?e office. at. said that his Igreoteet domain was gamlng. when asked he did not amines any. particurer foorioenie hirer gait-ting iIunttet- operators. exhitimtit'u that this 'w'ns- en one under the juriedtotihn of the Macao Gaming Board Gaming revenues were tip. and employees. with: satis?ed and Sheep: thither hem.- The situation was 'cel'm arid ontt-tieIenoed" .with in: major problems In tel-rho. of- security 5. to) The Dora-reef i 1.410} 1 it among exp-tether! mot limo urine they. had be'?n sent over- in the Pmeecutot?e of?ce ea; evidence and suggested that we continue to work with-the Judiciary Potion. e. (G) The CGet'so expressed o'urt i 1 The CG stressed the we in huho?rtent Wteetie? given that the muther ofU. S. citizen's ln Iiite'oeu he'd doub'ited over the poet neural years. toil 1 4(3) 1 4(9) 8.1 CLABCIFIGATIIDIN: CONFIBENTIAL Page 2. or 5' UNCLASSIFIED Department-Of State. Case NO. F-2016-06405 DOC-N0. {336188114 Date: G?th?lZDiT CO 6 8 8 1 1 US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 006188114 Date: 01(06f2017 CLASSIFICATION: CONFIDENTIAL Page 3 of 8 1.4(3) . . 1.4m) 3 Bl Macao Monetary Authority: Complying with International Standards 8. Macao Monetary Authority President Anseimo Tong Lin-eeng said the work of his office was becoming more complioatad and required Macao to adopt more modern rules for betting supervision. and Pearl River Deita (PRO) integration would also require new supervisory tools. since the long-term development plan for the PRD covered a broad range of?nancral areas. Tong thanked the US. for its cooperation and training on anti -rnoney laundering issues as Macao marked to bring its standards in one with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). 9.10} Tang said was 1.4(3) 'barely?mmng.? amenity?? was only doing 1 4(0) 7 as it had been unable to establiEEHa'] relationship with Hong Kong or other B1 - .. i The Monetary humority has been suf?ciently transparent. but it stilt needed the bene?t of independent third petty reviews, the IMF report on Mae-u that would be soon. Tenn explained that he was spending a let oftirne and related training. some ofwhich arias being provided by renowned specialist Richard Chalmers. an advisor with the UK Financial Services Authority (FEM. Secretary for Economics and Finance: Little Roam to Diversity -4uo? 11. Secretary tor Economics and Finance Francis Tam explained that with Haceu?e small size and popdetion of only half a million, there was little room to diversify away trom gambling. Gaming continued to bring economic bene?ts. the wealth gap had narrowed signi?cantly. median wages had doubted since 1999. and overall unemployment was only 2.9 percent. The construction sector, however, still faced di?icullies. with so percent u'iemployment [3,000 unemployedt This. was why importing foreign labor remains such a political issue in Macao, especially in construction where there isa widespread belief that imported labor reduces wages and displaces workers. 12. The Consul General highiighted the inportanoe of US. investment to Macao and hoped that the gowmment would avoid creating a situation where US. companies were notable to find quali?ed key staff for their operations Tarn explained that importing iotaign labor had become a sensitive issue The current labor force comprised about 200 000 Iocat workers with an additional 75. 000 Hop-cried workers While down from the 105,000 'lnporled in 2008, the current numbers were still considered quite high. Macao, Muever. needed to import workers to satisfy its development needs, Tarn admitted. CLABEIFIGAHON: GONFIDEHTIAL Page 3 of 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department Of State Case No. Doc No. (306188114 Date: 01.06.3017 130.6 1.8 1 1 of State Case No. 'F-2016-06a?405 Doc No. 906138114; Date?; erroer'zotr eLAaeIFtcattort: CONFIDENTIAL- Pege-d' of! 13. netted by the- Cpneut Generat ab'out the statue _e_i lTent stately Iaaid ".rt failed 1 4(0) fated tr'r pay tie-hills." Tarn was not sure If eoutd return to service as It eunentty deae- hot meet haeau'e operating. standards; 03 Young asked that he heated thirty. He ateo rnede rer?etenoe re the hold annrp sent. to CE and eattett that the eevemm'ent- werttI to ensure ULS. eempantee itI' Mahau reoehte qurritaht'e treatment. Our goal Ilene wont Maceu it: cmete fait' opportunities tot LILSI. bumpariee to enter th Martin?s meritet, he 14 (C) The Gorieul General aiso talent I). sander-ta ever restrtettone' on beef and cable and satellite television piracy. Tern -eah:_l ha meld share our conceit-re With hie colleagues. Bi 15 1:31 I_jroIrrI the cement Garrerat that Queen residentia- rtaerrnre inter-est in democracy Nether citizens were teetinq more angst-_ near the power efthe_ aitt main Maeau Itemiiee atitt- Bar?ngTa net diminish thei- eeonernto hotd. At the .eerne- time- puehhaetr against U. S. oempanree re cent retained: a, meeting he had- a few Iyeere' age with central Government iteieeti D?ioe officials who made clear- .therr View that U. eempan blowing other; truth the Shite Department. . keenly interested inentrertng the Menau trIra I: ?Eta hot believe ?the MacauI government weutd grant it a amply beeatiEe ttw'ee Arneriean. He; commented that [Itla [did light in mice can; a: m?'wee {53 much "In your face.? (C) ThBI-ConerdGertetal expressed concern over'tha a . eednes were truly a 174(0) ema pit .oI~a met eorrutItnrn the their Belt-'09 31 the gaming enamels. Gehuirtien onthe Mainland treated 'e gray market matted ht tee-at of?ciate. and imitate we're the We hr transfer money but. ea? via PRC- -o?'im?ale. going to Ma'eau ambte on relate in: and Mutiny? theireorteptien mite-ewe major as part ofthis process, re rung hem es "riruues and vagehortde' 1? (@1051 diveretleetten . ICE (Meetings, 1 14m) one woutd not take root- 'rIn titaoau: and was only important to Belith tier Ita pemteal eItteet. The. PRC weuld continue tetout that true. but itwaet not Where the money was The Hewett hae shown .no interest interesting in' divetettieatten. Ear it was Into ite massive eurptuses which are 50 pereent of GDP to develop other Industries. The growth of gaming In?ngapete likewise- wdutd not, change the-they and aluminum to asthe cotrIJd put pregame. en visas-'10 Prevent: htatrrlandere hem. note; there. 18.- labor problems ?as having two 14(b) themes. The rat wasthe'oet'retruetion industry whose 31 . ceueroennm Page 4 tit-5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Deparh'nentdf'State' Case No. F-2016-DB405 Dec No. 006188114 Date: 01mm? C9518 3.1 1 us. .pepamnenm state Base Doc 'No. Date: 01106201? CONFIDENTIAL . Page 51:th yamltars ?tas?or' Ga'Iaiy and Les" Vegas samI 1.1119: mom-Id 'frame Malabar fair Mam nae?dgd humans that: ithad tp-jamaae ants-gin young mopla 'f?r {in jobs oflha future. New miss naming .i_jnto q?ad itthe and bi 20.10 will. impose a rental-age raqui'ramant tat-21 figr'mtking irr-casinns, mum should anew-age 5:41pm; In ?nish mlbg?._ 19. 13;] 1-1463.) - B1 1005;341:1195. rim _h Improve: ?e Imus of then woman-and ttht-wstomera. Gummy, gaming In man was-pumly gambilng and ItetHH 'In Las' V?gas; hadyet'tu 'rnal-ce' the leap to 'Einiai?t'ai?'lhe?t. 20. m) Renal mpurtad on my meailng with-hm? Mama GE Edmund Ho? YOUNG. Signatuu': YOUNG clan-um By": Consul Gonna! Slaphen M. Yaungr mason: 1,4 on: 0512120220 . Info: CHINA 'Pasfl's Attachments: maladata??ht Dhmm?nn Ri?e; min 09p? CONFIDENTIAL, Fags-5:01 5 UNCLASSIFIED us; Baparyment-or State Game No, .Q0618?1?i4- Date: 0.1m201? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (30618811? Date: 01f06f201? CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 3 From: SMART Archive RELEASE IN FULU Sent: 1i28l'2016 8:37:45 AM To: SMART Core Subject: Oman: CODEL Lemborn Meets with Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministries SBU MRN: 16 MUSCAT 56 DateiDTG: Jan 28, 2016 {2813342 JAN 16 From: AMEMBASSY MUSCAT Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE Rooms E.D.: 13526 TAGS: PGOV, PREL, 0M Captions: CODEL, SENSITIVE Subject: Oman: CODEL Lambom Meets with Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministries 1. Summary: On January 21, tamborn and the Ambassador met separately with Badr Bin Hamad Al- Busaidi, Secretary General of the MFA, and Mohammed bin Nasser al-Rasbi, Secretary General of the MOD. They discussed the U.S.-Oman bilateral military relationship, transfer oquantanamo Bay detainees, Iran, and other regional issues. CDDEL members were impressed with Oman?s message of religious tolerance and support for US. policy goals and committed to conveying that message to their constituents upon their return to the United States. 2. The CODEL included Representatives Doug Lamborn, Paul Cook, Brad Ashford, and John Garamendi from the House Armed Services Committee, and Representative Dennis Ross from the House Financial Services Committee. End Summary GTMO Detainee Transfer 3. CDDEL Lamborn sought clarification and assurances from both the MFA and the MOD officials that the GTMO detainees reieased to Oman were secure and unlikely to be a threat in the future. Al-Busaidi said Oman agreed to take 20 detainees in several trenches over the past year because of Dman?s desire to be helpful to the United States - adding Oman would never hesitate to help. He assured the delegation that the former detainees were in a secure location and explained the goal ofthe detainee rehabilitation program was for them to understand the false nature ofthe extremist ideology they had previously espoused and reintegrate into society. Al-Busaidi described the rehabilitation of the first set often GTMU detainees as "successful.? The intention now was to utilize some of the "graduated" detainees to work with the new group of ten to present lectures and guide them to see the world through different eyes. AI?Busaidi confirmed all the current detainees were Yemeni nationals, and they were being treated with dignity and respect, "as humans who share common values. Both the MOD and the MFA officials confirmed that none of the previous GTMD detainees had reverted to their previous behaviors. REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior] [teviewer CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2U16-06405 Doc No. (30618811? Date: 01f06f2017 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 00618811? Date: CLASSI Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 2 of 3 iran 4. The CODEL sought further information regarding Oman?s relationship with Iran and Oman?s intentions for future cooperation with Iran. Al-Busaidi explained the Oman-Iran relationship was similar to the United States and Mexico - as neighbors with good lines of communication. Though, al-Busaidi added, in the current economic environment, Oman needs to find ways to develop its economy, and iran was an obvious partner. Ai- Busaidi emphasized that with the lifting of sanctions, Oman and Iran will have a new economic relationship with a need for as many channels of communication as possible to develop an open dialogue with all Iranian companies willing to consider the Omani market. 5. Al-Busaidi underlined the paramount importance of dipiomatically reaching solutions with Iran. He stated Oman had been successful so far, but with the increasing complexities in the region, success through diplomatic channels was not always possible. It required patience, wisdom, and care, as well as an understanding of the background issues and the causes of tensions. Achieving "normal" relationships among countries and maintaining those relationships means addressing concerns as they 0mm in a constructive manner. The overall goal was a region at peace with itself and with the rest of the world. Al?Busaidi expressed hope that the process of ?rapprochement? between the United States and Iran would continue and both countries would bene?t. Syria 5. The CODEL expressed gratitude for Oman?s support to help end the crisis in Syria. Al?Busaidi said Oman had been active in recent months trying to bring negotiating parties to the table. Al-Busaidi emphasized that these talks must include all regional players, including Iran, and pre-conditions must be minimized to allow countries to join the conversation. He stated there was no military solution to Syria but urged the COOEL that parties should "give diplomacy the best shot possible to forge a solution." Israel and the Stalled Peace Process 7. Al-Eiusaidi noted that since the Oslo process regional working groups, Oman had hosted a regional desalination proiect that continued to bring together Israeli, Palestinian, Jordanian and other regional experts. Despite the current freeze in Israelinaiestinian negotiations, the project continues to function. AI?Busaidi said there would eventually have to be a negotiated settlement to the israeli-Palestinian conflict, adding that Israel sooner or later must become an accepted part ofthe region. In-Country Value 8. (SBU) AI?Rasbi, the MOD Secretary General, told the CODEL that Oman was looking for additional areas for cooperation, specifically those that encouraged in-country value (ICU), the support or utilization of local Omani businesses in the context of supporting joint military exercises. The MOD highlighted the importance of Omani businesses tapping into the technical expertise of US. companies, and encouraging bilateral commercial cooperation. Delegation members responded that their constituents weren?t familiar with Oman, and did not understand the opportunities of the Omani market. Ai-Rasbi additionally suggested that local procurement of materials could allow for faster fulfillment and would provide desired Icy for Oman. He intimated that their overall concern, especially for clearing over?land goods shipments through Omani Customs, was security foreign companies with third country national drivers were not secure, as there was no way to know where a shipment stopped or whether it had been interfered with. The MOD has vetted several Omani companies that could be used to take shipments over the border between the UAE and Oman, giving assurance that the goods CLASSI Fl ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 2 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (30618811? Date: 01i06i2017 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 00618811? Date: 01i'06i20?l? CLASS: Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 3 of 3 had not been tampered with and fulfilling ICU goals. Doing (Military) Business 9. AI-Rasbi praised the strength of the United States?Oman military relationship, with the Omani government holding a "strong, deep-rooted political will and commitment to it.? He emphasized that the Omani militarv could bene?t greatly from the latest LLS. technologv and US. businesses with those technologies should understand that that Oman is a safe place to work, especiallv in the logistics sector. AI-Rasbi highlighted the importance of education as providing the platform for overcoming the challenge of extremism and sectarianism. Delegation members agreed with Al-Rasbi that building business and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth would help solve that probiem. Value of U.5.-Oman Travel 10. (SBU) As the delegation departed, MOD Secretarv General Al-Rasbl asked the CODEL whether Donald Trump?s recent statement about keeping Muslims out ofthe United States meant he shouldn?t travei there. Representative Lamborn assured the Secretarv General that Mr. Trump must have meant that improved background checks would reduce the probabilitv ofterrorists entering the United States. He continued by saving that visits between Oman and the United States would be valuabie to improve understanding and to build biiateral ties. AI-Rasbi agreed, saving more visits would help increase understanding of Oman in the United States, emphasizing that ignorance is a challenge and a common enemv, and that the true message of Islam is peace. 11. (U) CODEL staff have cleared this cable. Signature: Sievers Drafted By: Ann (Muscat) Cleared By: Morehouse, Mark EXEC:Asbraf?Milier, Assiya PoIIinI:O'Hearn, Dennis OlvlC, DAO:Larson, Eric Approved By: EXEC:Sievers, ivlach Released By: Ann (Muscat) lnfOI ICIA WASHINGTON DC DIA WASHINGTON DC Rounive; GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE How'we ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE ROUTINE SANAA. AMEMBASSY Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy SBU CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 00618811? Date: 01i06i2017 US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188121 Date: 0110612017 CLASSIFICATION: CONFIDENTIAL Page 1 of 4 From: SMART Archive Sent: 2I29f2015 12:22:10 AM IN PART To: SMART Core Subject: OIC Secretary General Names Regional Stability his Top Priority and Calls for Broader Collaboration on CVE and MEPP CONFIDENTIAL Sensitive eraser] catio?'?xteri?i?'d on T61 rosrzi?f one: CONFIDENTIEF notltority: Deco 1141" f- Declassify on: 0212312041 MRN: 1B JEDDAH 29 Feb 29, 201612905212 FEB ?15 From: AMCONSUL JEDDAH Action: WASHDC. SECSTATE ROUTINE E.O.: 13526 TAGS: PREL. KDSH, KISL. KIRF, ISCON, lL. KWBG, SA. SY, RU, FR, ID. CF, MM, TR, IR, ASEAN, AF Captions: SENSITIVE Reference: A) WW attoggo AH C) 15 5L1 DHEJEQQAI- 35g Pass Line: MARK RDSENSHIELD, NENARP BRIAN MCGRATH, ARSALAN SIRGA QAMAR UL-HUDA, SIRGA CHRISTINA L1, SIRGA DONYA ELDRIDGE, LARRY SCHWARTZ, NENFO AMEMBASSY CAIRO PASS TD AMCONSUL ALEXANDRIA AMEMBASSY YAOUNDE PASS TO AMEMBASSY BANGUI Subject: OIC Secretary General Names Regional Stability.I his Top Priority and Calls for Broader 1 4(3) Collaboration on CUE and MEPP 1.40:1) B1 1. SUMMARY: At the instigation ofthe resident British Consul General, special envovs representing ?ve Western countries met with Organization for Islamic Cooperation Secretary General Ivad Madani to gauge interest in attending cooperation . . . . . RevIEvv AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Seniorl Reviewer 3 Fl CATI ON: CONFI DENTI AL Page 1 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Dapartment of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc ND. 006188121 Date: 011061201? C0 6188 US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188121 Date: 01i06!201? CLASS: Fl CATI ON CDNFI DENTI AL Page 291:4 End Summary. 2. On February 22, Consul Generai ioined the resident special envoys to the Organization of Isfamic Cooperation (BIC) from France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada in a meeting with on: Secretary General Iyad Madani. SG Madani was joined by his new Cabinet Director, Dr. Yousef al?Othaimeen; 06 for Peace and Confiict Resolution, Ambassador Abdul Moiz Bokhari; 06 for Politicai Affairs, Ambassador Tariq Bakheet; Director for Outreach to Musiim Communities, Dr. Hassan Abedin; and Cabinet Officer Amen ul-Haq. HMG CG and Special Envoy, Mohamed Shokat, organized the meeting with 56 Madani to expand access to the Oh: and to identify areas to deepen cooperation for mutual benefit. Madani agreed to biannual consultations with the special envoys, but emphasized that the special envoys needecl to advocate for their capitals to request ?observer status? with the Citing Russia as an example of a non-DIE member with "observer status,? Madani commented that Russia was subsequently in a stronger position to influence the actions and thinking on issues of shared interest. All seven special envoys are resident in the region, except the U56 special envoy. Until 2015, all special envoys were also Muslim. Currently, three -- Germany, italy, and France are not Muslim. 3. SE Madani highlighted the DIC's upcoming summits, including an emergency summit in Jakarta, March SJ, that will focus on revising the Middle East Peace Process, and the Islamic Summit Conference in Istanbui from April 10? 15 {ref AM CLASSI Fl CATI ON: CONFI AL Page 20f4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188121 Date: U?li?06i2017 6 1 8 8 1 2 US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188121 Date: 01106201? CLASEIFICATION: Page 3 of 4 14(3) B1 CLASSIFICATEON: CONFIDENTIAL Page 3 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188121 Date: 01.106201? Department of State Case No. 112016064405 Doc No. 006188121 Date: 01106/201? CLASSIFICATION: CONFIDENTIAL Page 4 of 4 a. GOMIVIENT: I i J31 End Comment. Signature: Classified By: Name: David Rosenblum, TitIe: Vice Consul Derived From: DSCG 11-01 Declassify On: Drafted By: Cleared By: David Todd F?OL:Kawecki, Mathew POLECON?chreuder, Michael POL:Spring. Michael ROL;Godfrey, John EXEC:Holmatrom1 Todd Approved By: EXEC:Lenderking, Timothy A Released By: JEDDAH:Rosenblurn, David CIA WASHINGTON DC NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC ROUTINE DIA WASHINGTON DC GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE ORGANIZATION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE COLLECTIVE ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE ROUTTNE ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE AFRICAN UNION COLLECTIVE ZENIALEXANDRIA, ZENIBANGUL AMEMBASSY Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy CONFIDENTIAL Sensitive CLASSI Fl CATI 0N: CONFI AL Page 4 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department Of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No, 006188121 Date: 0110612017 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 006188119 Date: CLASSI Fl ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 1 of 3 SMART Archive RELEASE 1N FULE Sent: 2f11f2016 8:11:50 AM To: SMART Core Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: Security: Munich Security Conference; NATO: Defense Ministers Meeting; U.S.: Supreme Court on Climate Policy; US: Primaries UNCLASSIFIED MRN: 16 BERLIN ETZ DatelDTG: Feb 11, 2016111113092 FEB 16 From: AMEMBASSY BERLIN Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE aounnre E.D.: 13526 TAGS: DPRC, KMDR, GM, ASEC, RU, NATO, KGHG, US Subject: German Editorials and Iillpinion: Security: Munich Security Conference; NATO: Defense Ministers? Meeting; U.S.: Supreme Court on Climate Policy; Primaries Thursday February 11, 2016 CONTENTS [Security] Munich Security Conference, Russian Politics (NATO) Defense Ministers' Meeting Supreme Court on US. Climate Policy New Hampshire Primaries Review AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior! Reviewer 1 1. {Security} Munich Security Conference, Russian Politics Frankfurter Aligemefne: "The killing on the battlefield continues despite all the international conferences on Syria. The Syria contact group will meet in Munich today. As of Friday, the MSC will deal with the topic. The mantra that there can be no military solution to the conflict has raised hopes for political progress in the past. However, since the Russian- Iranian offensive to recapture Aleppo for the Asad regime, it has become clear that the ruler in the Kremlin and his Damascene vassai are not interested in a political solution. Both use the conferences as a diversionary maneuver to create facts on the ground. Bashar Asad is even more ruthless than his father, Hafez, who destroyed the center of Hama in 1932 killing more than 30,000 people. His son will probably remain in power, but the price is the destruction of Syria?s cultural assets." Suedwesfrundfunk radio: "Russia does whatever it likes. This is frustrating, but predictable. and the side effects of such a policy are highly welcome for the Russian government: the helplessness ofWestern politicians when their diplomatic efforts are in vain; the division of parties and governments; the speechlessness ofthe people who are watching events from a distance. In Syria, it is again becoming clear that Russia is doing everything to irritate the rest ofthe world, and to sabotage a constructive For more than two years now, the Putin regime has been undermining all those who are pinning their hopes on partnership and cooperation in Russia?s interests go far beyond the Syrian conflict. It is CLASSI Fl ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 1 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188119 Date; 01106201? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case NO. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188119 Date: 01106901? CLASSIFICATION: Page 2 of 3 Russia?s interest to weaken the U.S. and its global hegemony; it is Russia?s interest to weaken NATO and the West. It is Russia?s interest to discredit any kind of democratic opposition that rises against dictatorships, and then blame the US for the This Russian government is likely to do the opposite of what the EU and the U5. consider to be constructive without offering any alternatives. This Russian government will use all ways and means to destabilize the global Russia now has all the characteristics of a dictatorship. This is something we must keep in mind. This is a dictatorial regime, and its politicians are unscrupulous and highly dangerous." 2. (NATO) Defense Ministers? Meeting Stiddeutsche: would be useless as a defense organization if it did not respond to threats by deterrence. After the seizure of lCrimea, Russian force in Ukraine, and the scrupulous bombardment in Syria, it is impossible to see Russia as a partner with which NATO once signed a Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation and Security. in this act, NATO agreed not to deploy any ?substantial? forces in the east. It still wants to stick to The challenge is to find a balance between the promises ofthe founding act and the necessary deterrence. Russian President Putin has shown often enough that he does not want to respect any borders. Nothing would be more dangerous in this situation than allowing him to intimidate us.? Deul?schiandfunk: is now supposed to stop refugees from coming to Europe's shore what an absurd idea. What an expression of helplessness in the face ofthousands of people who will continue to try to come to Europe every day. Why do Turkey, France, Britain, Germany and ltaly all members of NATO - not have the means to effectively coordinate their capacities? What is it what a NATO operation can do what a European operation cannot do?" Frankfurter Aiigemerne: "Securing the Greek border, which the EU vehemently demands, did not fail only because of weak administration by Greece or the lack of political will in Athens. A similarly important reason is the tense relationship between Greece and Turkey. The Alliance has been an assurance in the past that the relationship between Ankara and Athens does not escalate. If it could now facilitate practical cooperation against human smugglers in the Aegean, it would be to everybody?s benefit, apart from the smugglers' of course. NATO could particularly help monitoring the sea. However, military means should not be applied against refugees. Apart from this, the LLB. Ambassador to NATO is right: the EU must ?nd a solution for the refugee crisis.? 3. (U.S.) Supreme Court on U.S. Climate Policy Frankfurter A?gemeine: pioneer in climate policy? Apparently, President Obama will not be able to keep the great promises he made during the climate summit in Paris. America?s highest court has suspended essential parts of his climate policy. It now becomes clear that Obama?s strategy to bypass a hostile Congress ruled by the Republicans and to use his executive powers instead has its limits. His is now paying for his failure to bring the same kind of plan through parliament during his ?rst term, when majorities were more favorable. However, at the time, he did not want to rescue the climate. His political opponents want it even less; many even doubt the human impact of global warming. At worst, U.S. climate policy might fail." 4. New Hampshire Primaries Spits-gel Onl'r'ne: presidential candidates Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders are presenting themselves as rebels against a corrupt caste of politicians. But their establishment rivals, who have lost the ability to defend their convictions, make it easy for The two winners from New Hampshire have one thing in common: they are orchestrating themselves as the leaders of the angry people. Weekly Die Zer'f commented on Marco Rubio under the headline: ?And this Man is supposedly a Moderate?" saying: "It is not easy to understand what is happening with American conservatism right Before the eyes of the world, this mainstream party is about to turn into a platform for Marco Rubio represents the fundamental question of the {Republican} party, of the American political system as a whole: Does America still have a center that leans to the right? Can the term 'political center? still be applied to the The pleasant Mr. Rubio is following a radical agenda. He thinks that ?God?s Law? stands beyond a man-made His ideas in foreign policy are even more Fl ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 2 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 DOC No. (306188119 Date: 01rosr2017 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 006188119 Date: CLASSI Fl ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 3 of 3 The fact that someone like him is considered a man ofthe center without provoking any resistance shows the depth ofthe political crisis in America. Todav?s Republican partv has moved so far to the right that it no longer understands its own radicalism.? Sueddeufsche "Everv poll shows that the people have lost confidence in politics regarding issues such as immigration and growing social inequality. This is the basis for Donald Trump's and Ted Cruz's support. Their message is: We do everything different. This is all. Whether they will do things better is not so important.? Sfultgarter Zedong: ?The U.S. is running the risk of making a fool of itself as the most powerful democracv in the world. During normal times, eat?Governor leb Bush and acting governors John Kasich and Chris Christie would have been the set Republican candidates; but the times are not normal and Donald Trump is stirring upfears of the future to exploit them for his own ends. It is still not too late for Bush, Kasich and Christie to change their At issue are not personal ambitions; at issue is that the most powerful democracv in the world should not make a fool of itself.? FAZ: "The angrv, frustrated voters have struck The results from New Hampshire will not deliver a forecast for future results, but thev will not change the fact that the voung voters consider a T4-vear old senator to be more inspiring than a seasoned Last vear, experts also ruled out that Donald Trump could become the Republican presidential candidate. Today, they have become more cautious, another indication ofthe constitution of the Republican rank and file: churned up, radicalized, and willing to cheer up people who consider torture to be a good cause. But manv Democratic voters are also dissatis?ed with the development of the country and obsessed with giving the elites a dressing down. This mood is not comforting but nevertheless, we can understand some are so angrv. At the beginning of the primaries, we usuallv hear the voices of the angrv rank and file at the margins, but later, the fight will concentrate on the center. Will this also be the case in 2016? Signature: EMERSON Drafted By: Friedhelm Cleared By: Standaert, Timothy Approved By: Jacqueline Released By: Friedhelm WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC aounne DIA WASHINGTON DC CIA WASHINGTON DC Rounive DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC nounive; BRUSSELS, AMEMBASSY ROUTTNE ROME, AMEMBASSY USNATO, USMISSION Rooms USOSCE, USMISSION Rooms; AMEMBASSY GE ROUTTNE HO USAFE RAMSTEIN AB GE Rourwe HO USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE aourme FRG COLLECTIVE eoumve Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 006188119 Date: 01106301? US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188120 Date: CLASSI Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 1 of 4 From: SMART Archive RELEASE IN FULL Sent: 1l19i2015 9:00:49 AM To: SMART Core Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: lran: Deal Implementation; Germany: Refugee Crisis; EU: .lunclter Warning, Refugee Policy MRN: 16 BERLIN 14D DatelDTG: Jan 19, 2G16l1913532 JAN 16 From: AMEMBASSY BERLIN Action: WASHDC. SECSTATE RDUITNE E.0.: 13528 TAGS: DPRC, KMDR, GM. IR. PREF, EUN Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: Iran: Deal Implementation; Germany: Refugee Crisis; EU: Juncicer Warning. Refugee Policy Tuesday January 19, 21316 CONTENTS 1. llranl Deal Implementation 2. (Germany) Refugee Crisis 3. Juncker Warning, Refugee Policy 1. {Iran} Deal Implementation "Iran has been given a new chance with the lifting ofthe sanctions. Given its enormous potential, the country could become an economic powerhouse inthe Middle East. Who wants this? Donald Trump and other right? wing politicians in the U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia in particular do Primarily, this is not about the old conflict between Sunni and Shiites. It is about genuine power; the dominance ofboth rivals in the Middle East. Since Rouhani?s election as president in the summer of 2D13, the balance has quietly shifted. Teheran has gradually discarded its image as the outlawed pariah. It is good when people like Rouhani and his foreign minister Zarif dominate politics. They talk much about reconciling with the world and allowing more freedom rights at The internal power struggle in Iran has not yet been decided. The upcoming parliamentary and council elections at the end of February will set determine the course of the country. The nuclear deal and the lifting of the sanctions will strengthen the position of reform oriented President Rouhani. He and his men have realized what a critical economic and social situation the country is The nuclear agreement is a test run. The ?rst hurdie has been taken. it would indeed be a small miracle if the agreement transforms Iran from a destabilizing factor into a constructive force searching for a solution to regional problems.? Frankfurter Allgemefne ?The fact that iran will gain international influence with the lifting of sanctions is obvious. It is clear this is a cause of concern for some players in the Middle East and the United States. The fundamental mistrust will not disappear. Also, the prospect of lranian?Arab cooperation is not as promising as some have hoped. At least, the [Review AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, aen'?l IReviewer CLASSI Fl CATI ON: Fl ED Page 1 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case NO. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188120 Date: 01l06i?2017 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 006188120 Date: 01l06l2017 CLASSIFICATION: Page 2 of 4 Viennese nuclear authority con?rmed that Iran has fulfilled its part ofthe agreement and massively scaled back its nuclear program. It remains to be seen what will happen in 15 years, when some terms of the nuclear agreement expire. Until then, we have bought ourselves some time.? Die Welt [1,118]: ?in 15 years, when the strictest constraints of the nuclear agreement expire, Iran can no longer be prevented from building a bomb. Until then, its neighbors and opponents want to reach the same level. Whether the agreement will create peace is more than questionable. It is certain that in the medium term it can result in a nuclear arms race, threaten Israel?s existence, and increase the number of conventional conflicts in the Middle East. President Obama has made the nuclear deal his key foreign policy project. It is based on the expectation that reintegration into international politics and global trade will free lran internally and make the country a peaceful player. If Obama is wrong, the whole region will be even more unstable.? Frankfurter ?The nuclear agreement marks a historic turning point. However, the people involved also know that the changes have powerful opponents in the United States, the Middle East and lran. Foreign policy is domestic policy. The same formula catapulted Hassan Rouhani into the presidential office in 2013 with an absolute maiority. He promised he would make Iran again a respectable partner and limit the arbitrary power of the theocracy at home. Still, the prospect for a democratic opening is greater than in the rest of the Middle Eastern world. Iran?s civil society is more developed than that of its Arab rivals. Iran?s young people belong to the most talented people in the region. They know what they want. And they know that their time will soon come.? (1118}: ?Miracles cannot be planned. But there is room for hope below this transcendental level. The fact that Germany, as a trustful mediator in the region, has played a decisive role in the conclusion ofthis agreement is the successful result of 20 years of effort. This is also a great obligation.? 2. {Germany} Refugee Crisis Commercial TV station n-iv: "Chancellor Merkel?s scope of action is getting smaller. The reason is that everyone in the coalition government wants a reduction ofthe influx of refugees, because integration will otherwise fall. But no one knows how best to reduce the number of refugees. The Chancellor is in a dilemma. On the one hand, she is right to say there must be an overall European solution, even if it is in the stars. On the other hand, she does not want national border controls because they would have fatal, negative implications for trade and industry and for the labor market. The only thing that remains is the attempt to forge an alliance of Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Greece and ltaly safeguard external borders and ?nd a solution on how to send refugees back to Turkey and elsewhere. If Merkel is unable to manage this, if she sticks to her rno' to national border controls, then it is possible she will manage to eliminate herself." Regional Frankenposl?: "Angela Merkel, the gifted puppet master, has failed as the chancellor of the former German feel- good republic. The people no longer feel at home in their own country. Good government is not only the execution of power. The democratic values of the republic will be lost if the powers?that?be do no more than spout ?we?will-manage? this? in the headlines. This is not a program. The Chancellor should have shaped politics, notjust pursue a wait-and-see policy. After ten years, the Merkel system has been worn out. She is hardly able to overcome her own deepest crisis. Merkel missed the opportunity to outline a clear goal and achieve it. It will be impossible for her to admit that 'we-are- unable-to?manage-this? without losing face and power. Her resignation would then only be logical.? Regional Straublnger Tagbi?aff: government leader, who has been highly esteemed across all party lines, is unwilling to narrow the views with the people who helped her win three elections and who must now realize how the refugee crisis is becoming too much for the country. It may be that Angela Merkel is still convinced that there is no alternative to her activities, that she still thinks she can distribute the refugees across Europe. But as chairwoman of the CDUICSU she must talk to the growing number of skeptics and people who doubt her policy otherwise her time as chancellor will soon be oven? faz, die lageszellung: ceiling for refugees, waiting zones, faster deportations, pressure on the countries of origin - politicians in Germany and Austria are passionately and somewhat erratically thinking about how to formulate the term 'unwelcome? in such a way that it works and does not violate the Geneva Refugee Convention. The mood, which has Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 2 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. {306188120 Date: 01106201? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188120 Date: UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 4 changed since the New Year's Eve events in Cologne, must be acknowledged. Important [state] parliament elections are coming and this makes the homo poiiticus very nervous, especially when he or she considers the most recent opinion polis and the level of support for the MD and the FPO, which has risen since Biid {01/18}: "Sweden has closed its borders, Hungary did so a while ago, and Slovenia built a fence ?while Chanceilor Merkel continues to keep German borders open. She even allows refugees to enter Germany from safe countries such as Austria out of fear that Europe could fail if she gives in. Does this mean Europe is more important to her than Germany? As an economic power, Germany needs freedom of movement for people and goods in the EU, but the danger is that if Merkel closes borders, everyone will do so. Then the internal market, the euro and the European peace project will be over, and then Germany would really be damaged. With her policy, Merkel is trying to save the Europe that Germany needs in the long run. Her path is risky, for her and for our country. But not to try it would be even more risky.? Regional Voikssfimme: ?The Chancellor plans to reduce the mass exodus with foreign policy means before she wants to close internal borders. It would be a better approach but there are mounting doubts whether she will ever achieve her goals. But how do we want to safeguard the external borders? No one has yet presented a clear plan of how this should work in the Mediterranean with its hundreds ofGreek islands. More money for the refugees in Turkey and elsewhere? There is hardly anyone in Europe who has expressed his support for such plan. Peace in Syria? It is still far away. The Germans? patience is dwindling.? 3. Juncker Warning, Refugee Policy Flensburger Tagebfatt [E1112f 18}: "Thus far, the discussion may have been about policy or even ethics, but now, with Commission President .luncker's warning, it will also be about economics. Indeed, Europe is faced with a gigantic waste of money if we again set up border controls that will massively delay the ?ow of goods This call for help comes from a man who is known for three things: Juncker knows something about the economy; he knows the mechanics ofthe EU apparatus; and he is desperate." Regional Die Rheinpfafz: "If Commission President Juncker and Parliament President Schulz are warning against the red introduction of border controls and the economic impact this will have, then they are only pointing to something that is self?evident. It is a main goal of the internal market to lower costs for trade and industry. On the other hand, turnpikes would not only have economic implications. In the course of the ongoing European unification, not only material borders were eliminated; the process was acoornpanied by the elimination of borders in the minds ofthe people. Eternally valid cliches and prejudices were eliminated, and we witnessed a common Europe.? Signature: EMERSON Drafted By: Friedhelm Cleared By: Standaert, Timothy Approved By: PAMcKennan, Jacqueline Released By: Friedhelm Info: WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC Room-vs DIA WASHINGTON DC ROUTINE WASHINGTON DC DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC ROUTINE BRUSSELS, AMEMBASSY Rounrve ROME, AMEMBASSY Rooms; USNATO, USMISSION aoumve USOSOE, USMISSION eoumve; PARIS, AMEMBASSY eoorwe UDJTDUSAREUR HEIDELBERG GE eounrve HO USAFE RAMSTEIN AB GE ROUTINE HO USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE Roomve; ERG COLLECTIVE Rooms Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188120 Date: UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188120 Date: CLASSI Fl CATI ON: Ft ED Page 4 of 4 Fl ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 4 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc: No. (306188120 Date: 01106901? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188122 Date: OUOBIZUW Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 1 of 3 RELEASE IN FUL From: SMART Archive Sent: 21'312016 3:3723? AM To: SMART Core Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: U.S.: Iowa Caucuses; EU?Elritain: Brexit; Iran-Saudi Arabia: Steinmeier Trip; U.S.- EU: Safe Harbour Agreement; WHO: Zilia Virus MRN: 15 BERLIN 234 DatolDTG: Feb 03, 2016 0313352 FEB 16 From: AMEMBASSY BERLIN Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE ROUTINE E.O.: 13526 TAGS: OPRC, GM, US. GB. SA. KCYB, WHO, SHLH Subject: Gennan Editorials and Opinion: U.S.: Iowa Caucuses; EU?Britain: Brexit; Iran-Saudi Arabia: Steinmeier Trip; U.S.-EU: Safe Harbour Agreement; WHO: Zika Virus Wednesday February 3, 2015 CO NT ENTS Iowa Caucuses (EU?Britain) Brexit {Iran-Saudi Arabia} Steinmeier Trip Safe Harbor Agreement (WHO) Zika Virus 1. Iowa Caucuses Tagesihemen: ?Something is wrong with the political center in the U.S. if right?wing extremist Ted Cruz wins among the Republicans and the left?wing extremist Bernie Sanders wins among the Democratic The election results [so far] show enormous frustration among the voters in both camps. A majority is obviously fed up with the establishment in Washington. America?s angry voters favor candidates at the margins on the left and right Thanks to the right? and left-wingers, the LLB. election campaign remains exciting, but the eventual candidates will have to moderate themselves by November. It is the center in the U.S. that will decide who will move into the White House.? FAZ: "The conclusion from Iowa is this: The Democratic candidacy will not be delivered to Hillary Clinton on a silver platter. She must fight; even though her opponent is not a [young] Obama like in 2003, but a senior citizen totally unknown until a short while ago. And it may even be possible that the e-mail affair will turn into a maelstrom that will drag her down. Among the Republicans, it seems to be a fight among three candidates, a brutal class and cultural struggle; which reflects the internal fragmentation among the Tagesspfegei: ?The anxious question personifies moderate conservationism among the many Republican REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, aen?i l[Retrievirer CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2016-064D5 Doc No. (306188122 Date: 01!06l20?l? UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case NO. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188122 Date: 01!06!2017 CLASS. Fl ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 2 of 3 candidates has all ofa sudden got an answer and a name. There is now lots of pressure on the other establishment Republican candidates to throw in the towel in favor of Marco Rubio. This is all the more so because Rubio is the only one who has a good chance to defeat Hillary Clinton according to the opinion polls. Since Iowa, Republican voters are faced with two alternatives: Do they stick to pure doctrine (Cruz, Trump} even at the price ofa defeat, or do they want the prospect ofa Republican election victory (Rubio}?" Handelsblaff: "Many Americans, especially the members of the white middle class, feel like losers in globalization. They have lost their faith in progress. Wages are stagnating, the middle class is shrinking. The great winners of globalization, on the other hand, sit on Wall Street, in the headquarters of the multinational companies, in the offices ofthe lobbyists in Washington. The anger of the voters is directed against them, against the feudalization of politics and the economy, against the sealing off ofthe elites from the rest of the population.? Berliner Morgenposf: ?Donald Trump is an opportunist and pragmatist. However, the relief that the voters in Iowa have cut him down to size is limited. We have to put it in perspective: Ted Cruz is tarred with the same brush, but obsessed even more by a sinister mission. It reflects the deterioration ofdemocracy in the U.S. that in these times ofgeneral uncertainty, many voters follow the pied pipers who consider the ?elites in Washington,? the 'estabiishment,? or ?the system? itself to be the root of all evil." Regional Allgemeine Zedong of Mainz: ?America is fragmented like never before. The country is caught between a global loss of significance and a radical return to its own values {or to the values some pretend to pursue}. All those questions for which America as a whole has still not found an answer to are haunting people in New York, in Los Angeles, and elsewhere, like in Iowa. And this is why the world is holding its breath." 2. {EU?Britaini Brekit Norddeul?scher Rundfunk radio: "The EU is fighting for the sympathy, but those who must fight for sympathy usually have {already} lost. This is something the European Commission and Council President Donald Tusk do not want to accept. The defenders want to keep the UK in the EU, even if the price is {high}. The UKexperts in the EU still believe in the Europeans can square the circle. They pass on the white flag of capitulation and pretend to hoist the blue EU flag and the rights ofall 27 EU member states. But it is a fact that the Commission and Donald Tusk are about to abandon EU core principles and turn the EU into a patsy. But it is highly questionable whether the genuflection towards Cameron's demands will succeed. And an EU that does not commit itself to following its core principles is not Berliner Zeitung and Frankfurter "Europe needs Great Britain. It needs British liberality, British clout in foreign policy, even British restraint in European politics. However, Cameron has not come any closer to his goal of keeping the opposed to any amendments to the {European} treaties. Still. It may be possible that Cameron will fight like a hero at the next EU summit and prompt the EU leaders to approve such amendments. But he cannot consider himself to be a The EU opponents in his country are enjoying increasing support. Cameron could achieve a victory in Brussels, but lose the referendum at home. This would be a pity, less for Cameron but more for the EU. It has fallen far. Europe?s future has long since turned into a plaything of political gamblers.? Die Welt: "If the talks between Brussels and London were a boxing fight, then Britain?s Prime Minister Cameron would be stretching his arms upwards [in Now he can even imagine recommending to his compatriots {in the UK that they say] 'yes? to staying in the EU. But all sides involved have been aware for a iong time that Cameron would, in the end, he the one who forced Brussels to make concessions. And they may appear like far-reaching concessions, but Council President Donald Tusk only approved things that were already long known [to be] pragmatic in terms of political The EU is moving ahead at different velocities. Neither Europe nor the UK can afford a Brexit, neither economically nor politically. Basically everyone knows this.? far, die fageszer'l?ung: ?In the midst of the worst crisis of the European unification, the EU and Prime Minister Cameron can do nothing else but negotiate special treatment for the British. These special rules should help make Britain?s staying in the EU appealing. For Cameron, Tusk?s proposal is progress, but he has by no means secured the approval of the British CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Dapartment of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188122 Date: 01f06l?2017 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case NO. Doc No. 006188122 Date: U1f061?20'17 CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 3 who are weary or Europe, and for Tusk and the EU as a whole, the paper means a great step backwards. European integration wiil be reversed, freedom to travel restricted, and the equal treatment of all EU states will now be dropped. Out of fear of defeat, the EU has now lost its soul.? 3. {lran-SaudiArabia) Steinmeier Trip FAZ: "Without rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, not a single conflict can be settled in the Middle This is why any attempt to mediate between Saudi Arabia and Iran is the right thing to do. Germany has a good reputation in both countries and FM Steinmeier enjoys respect in both capitals. But when he traveis for the second time within just a few months to both capitals, he will not have anything in his hands. An accommodation between the two regional powers would be tantamount to a squaring ofthe circle: each sees itself as an island of stability in a sea of instability for which the other side is to blame. Not even Steinmeier is able to resolve this contradiction. But he can explain to both sides that they wouid pro?t more from dialogue than from a cold war.? 4. Safe Harbor Agreement FAZ: ?If no agreement were reached on the exchange ofdata between the EU and the U.S., relations between the two economic zones would have become The subsidiaries of US companies active in Europe would have been hard It is good that both sides have now agreed on a regulation that looks like a reasonable compromise, will hopefully prove to have legal validity, and will be approved by all 28 member states. During times when people think in national {rather than European] terms, politicians must manage to make trade relations as uncomplicated as possible. This is also true for the talks on 5. Zika Virus Sueddeutsche: ?Because it was put under massive pressure during the Ebola crisis, the WHO has now announced (perhaps rashly) an emergency of international However, we must emphasize that there is only suspicion that the like virus is causing these neurological diseases. In addition, we must emphasize that many adults, youngsters, and kids might not even realize that they have been infected with the like virus. Against this background, the WHO warning is An international emergency and extraordinary threat? This is massively exaggerated This panic-mongering is totally The WHO is now taking part pushing aside [work on] other out of concern about its own reputation, [and] is now inflating a new and comparably mysterious disease into an extreme threat ?and is ignoring the real dangers to global health.? Signature: EMERSON Drafted By: Friedhelm Cleared By: Standaert, Timothy Approved By: Jacqueline Released By: Friedhelm Info: WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC Rounn'e BIA WASHINGTON DC nourwe; CIA WASHINGTON DC eounrve DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC nourwe BRUSSELS, AMEMBASSY ROME. AMEMBASSY eounrve; USNATO, USMISSION nourwe; USOSCE, USMISSION Routine; PARIS, AMEMBASSY Rounrve UDITDUSAREUR HEIDELBERG GE ROUTINE HO USAFE RAMSTEIN AB GE eounwe HO USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE eounive FRG COLLECTIVE ecu-nus Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy WEED. CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188122 Date: 01f06l'2017 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 006188123 Date: 01l06f201? Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI FI ED Page 1 of 3 RELEASE IN From: SMART Archive Sent: 225.0016 9:04:39 AM To: SMART Core Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: Syria: Debate ove Cease-Fire; EU: Refugees; Libya: lSlL; US: Guantanamo; Iran: elections; U.S.: Primaries WP. MRN: 16 BERLIN 360 DatemTG: Feb 25; 2016 {2514012 FEB 16 From: AMEMBASSY BERLIN Action: WASHDC. SECSTATE RounNE E.0.: 13526 TAGS: DPRC, KileR, GM, EUN, PREF, LY. US, KDRG, IR Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: Syria: Debate ove Cease-Fire; EU: Refugees; Libya: lSlL; U.S.: Guantanamo; iran: elections; U.S.: Primaries Thursday February 25, 2616 CONTENTS (Syria) Debate over Cease?Fire . Refugee Policy . lLibya} Terrorism, ISIL lU.5.) Guantanamo . (Iran) Upcoming Elections . Primaries mumMi-?I 1. (Syria} Debate over Cease-Fire Handeisbiatt: "There are enough reasons to remain skeptical: the greatest fear is that Russia will continue to bomb the moderate opposition forces and describe the attacks as attacks on ISIL or al-Nusra If Russia continues to fire at moderate opposition forces despite the cease-fire, the West should think about an appropriate answer. Secretary Kerry already openly said that he has developed a Plan B, which is likely to include stronger military measures. President Obama drew a red line in Syria regarding the use of chemical weapons and remained inactive. This is probably not going to happen The second reason to remain skeptical is the unclear future of Syria?s leader, Assad. The fact that Assad has now announced parliamentary elections may intensify such skepticism. And, finally, terrorist groups are an ongoing factor of destabilization. If this chance for a cease-fire is not exploited by all sides involved, we may see an escalation of the fighting and even the final disintegration of the country.? ?Evlew AUTHORITY: Charles Lahigi'uera, Senior . [Reviewer 2. (EU) Refugee Policy Westd?eutscher Rundfunk: ?Europe is hiding behind barbed wire and referendums. The anti-refugee coalition led by CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188123 Date: 01f06f2017 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188123 Date: 01f06r20?l? CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 3 Hungary and Austria demonstrate to l'vlerkel and luncker what an unscrupulous refugee policy can look EU skeptics from London to Budapest are rubbing their nationalistic hands: Nobody needs such an Die Welt: "It is no coincidence that the western Balkan countries are making their voice heard with their own refugee policy because Berlin and Brussels are pinning their hopes on Turkey and Greece. Chancellor Merkel is facing a paradox: the naysayers might reduce the refugee influx to an extent that the future ofthe German chancellor is assured. However, her short-sighted actions not just in the refugee crisis - have plunged the EU into an existential crisis. The toothless complaints by the EU Commission against the Iv'ienna meeting must make clear to every European skeptic that there is no such thing as EU superiority. On the contrary, the EU is blowing up in Merkel?s face and there is nobody in sight who could fix this. One person in particular is happy about all of this: Vladimir Putin." rageszeftung: ?The fact that Greece was not even invited to the Western Balkan conference in Vienna shows that Austria is not interested in ?nding a common solution. The argument that Greece would only let refugees pass through is not without irony. What else have the other neighboring countries done so far? Letting Greece stand alone in the rain like this is deliberately accepting afurther destabilization of the already crisis-ridden country. It is not surprising that Vienna enjoys quiet sympathy from Munch to Warsaw. Vienna?s national approach has not completely destroyed efforts to find a common strategy to secure outer borders, as Berlin and Brussels of?cially desire, but it has made them more difficult. Europe has again drifted a little further apart." S?ddeutsche: ?The whole EU must deal with the refugee and migration issues. Only the EU will find satisfying answers. Actions of individual countries simply divert the problems elsewhere. This is unscrupulous and increases the danger of Europe?s collapse.? Frankfurter Allgemeine: "Any step to reduce the number of refugees coming to Germany will lead to a backlog of refugees elsewhere along the migration route as long as the number of refugees who embark on the journey to Europe is not getting smaller. If there is an agreement about the goal to reduce the number of newcomers, the backlog must be organized with as much humanity as possible and without any political quakes in the countries affected. The Austrian- initiated cooperation with the western Balkan countries is therefore a step in the right direction." 3. (Libya) Terrorism, ISIL FAZ: "The more the borders in Europe are closed, the more refugees will reach Europe across the Mediterranean. This means that Libya will once again be the center of attention. lt has been primarily has profited from the disintegration of Libya and has sent its leading cadres from Syria and Iraq to Libya to build a springboard to Europe. And the news is alarming that ISIL has captured Sabrata, since many refugees depart from the port to Europe. Most of the refugees come from Central Africa. They have taken the same route as the fighters who want tojoin African army. That is why it is good news that the army of the pro-Western government has expelled ISIL from Benghazi. If [the West] withdrew its support for the new unity government, ISIL would benefit the most." 4. Guantanamo Die Wolf: "The supposedly temporary prison has become something normal over the past 15 years. The simple term 'Guantanamo' is probably suited to recruit even more terrorists. In any case, it has blurred the U.S. image around the world even among America?s allies. This is why Washington would be well-advised to implement President Obama?s Those who are guilty of terrorism, murder and mass murder should be tried and those who are not should be released. And those inmates who cannot be tried because the evidence comes from sources that cannot be revealed must be transferred to the justice authorities of their home countries or they must be released. It might be unjust to release criminals from their cells only because no one can prove what they did; but it would be a decision in line with the rule of law." faz, die rageszer'tung: "Obama?s plan is hardly more than an alibi, an activity report that will have no effect. The president wants to say that he really wanted to do something. To some extent, that is true. But it will be of no use to anyone. CLASSI Fl CATI 0N: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 2 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case NO. F-2016-08405 Doc No. (306188123 Date: 01!06l'2017 US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188123 Date: 01i0612017 CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 3 5. {Iran} Upcoming Elections Sueddeufsche "The nuclear deal with Iran has created many hopes but many ofthem will not come true. Not for the Iranians, where two?thirds are under 30 years old and many belong to the well?educated middle But not for the West, either. In decisive questions, Iran?s foreign policy is dominated by people who approved the nuclear deal to save Iran?s economy from collapse and to safeguard their power. The establishment is interested in only one thing: power and economic privileges. The regime is brittle and rotting and the revolutionary rhetoric is nothing but nonsense. But every election allows the regime to exhibit its alleged democratic legitimacy.? Die Zeit: "There is one main issue in these elections. The moderates Rouhani and the rest of the reformers argue that reforms can happen only if iran is reintegrated into the world (economy) and this requires a cautious modernization of society; the conservatives on the other hand are afraid that reforms will be the beginning ofthe end of the theocratic system. This is why the elections are so important. It is true that there will be no cease?fire in Syria, no peace in Iraq, and no victory over ISIL without Tehran. But it is also true that Iran is deepiy involved in the atrocities of the Assad regime. [The Westl must be prepared to talk about this even if it disrupts business with It is right to connect Iran with the West, but without subservient gestures such as the one in Rome, where statues were veiled. Those who want to bring Iran back in from the cold must be willing to enter into an argument about civil liberties, human rights and Israel's right to 6. Primaries Sueddeutsche: "Donald trump was able to achieve his third primary victory in a It is time to seriously consider the idea that Trump will become the Republican presidential candidate. We might think that it is primarily a problem for the Republicans ifthey want to choose a candidate with the manners of a Komodo dragon, but that would be wrong. If he can become a presidential candidate, then he can also become the next The times in which we could smile at Trump are definitely over. Signature: LOGSDON Drafted By: Friedheim Cleared By: Siandaert, Timothy Approved By: Jacqueline Released By: Friedhelm Iain: WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC ROUTINE DIA WASHINGTON or: gnome; CIA WASHINGTON DC DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC BRUSSELS, AMEMBASSY RounNE ROME. AMEMBASSY USNATO, USMISSION Rooms USMISSION saunas: PARIS, AMEMBASSY nourwe UDITDUSAREUR HEIDELBERG GE aounrve HQ USAFE RAMSTEIN AB GE ROWNE HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE ROUTINE FRG COLLECTIVE aoumve - Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy Fl CATI 0N: UNCLASSI FI ED Page 3 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188123 Date: 01f06f2017 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188125 Date: 01f0612017 CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 3 From: SMART Archive Sent: sorzora soasz Alvl RELEASE IN FULL To: SMART Core Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: U.S.: Primaries; Refugees: EU, Greece; Refugees: Breedlove, Russia MRN: 16 BERLIN 406 DatelDTG: Mar 03, 201E f03130'fZ MAR 16 From: AMEMBASSY BERLIN Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE Rooms E.D.: 13526 TAGS: OPRC, KlleR, DE, US, PREF. EUN, GR. RU Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: U.S.: Primaries; Refugees: EU. Greece; Refugees: Breedlove, Russia Thursday March 3, 2016 CONTENTS 1. (U.S.) Primaries 2. {Refugees} EU,Greece 3. {Refugees} Breedlove, Russia 1. (U.S.) Primaries Weekly stern magazine: ?The world is going down in chaos but nowhere in the world do we see vigorous U.S. efforts to intervene at least in a moderating way. Instead of a new multipolar order we see multipolar President Obarna has turned away in resignation just like in the European refugee Obama has done nothing to keep Europe at least together. When the ?ghting was going on in Ukraine, the U5. promised military assistance to the panicking Eastern Europeans; but now the US. allows Poles, Hungarians, Czechs and Slovaks to turn away from the EU, leaving them to face Russia's policy of divide and rule in Europe alone. We see no pressure; we hear no arguments in favor ofthe EU from The smoldering conflict between China and its neighboring states over the islands in the South China Sea and the ongoing nuclear North Korean provocations round off the picture of an increasingly powerless global We hardly dare to hope that Obama's successor will correct all these mistakes. But if it's Donald Trump, he might even take the other extreme." Stuttgarter "Something has happened that the Republican leadership ruled out at the beginning of the campaign. After a series of primaries, Donald Trump is the favorite for the Republican presidential candidacy. Level? headed Republicans are worried about the prospect ofthe immoderate populist Trump in the Oval Office. For the Europeans, the primaries are of overwhelming significance. Especially now, when the world is in so much chaos, it is very Revrew AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior-l Reviewer . - .J CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State (3858 N0. Doc No. 006188125 Date: 01f06l'20?17 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc: N0. 006188125 Date: 01l06i'201? Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 2 of 3 important that we have somebody in the White House who acts with circumspection. The old world cannot rely on the fact that every American president in office has ended up pursuing pragmatic policy.? Mllfeldeutsche Zeltung and Stuttgarter ?Hillary Clinton would probably not be a blessing for the Europeans, but she would at least be a reliable partner. Maybe Hillary Clinton would demand more from the Europeans than President Dbama has done. But even he is nothing compared to Trump, who has not even expressed any foreign policy views at all. His demand for a wall along the Mexican border and an entry ban for Muslims do not bode well. But nothing is as uncertain in U.5. election campaigns as opinion polls. if they are deceptive, then it could be that the world will look back to George W. Bush with longing.? Neue Osnabrt?iclter Zedong: "it seems Republicans will have no choice but to make this blustering populist its presidential candidate. This is a worst?case scenario for the U.S. but also for the rest of the world. The U.S. president is and remains one of the most important shapers of global events. Trump as supreme commander over U.S. nuclear weapons is now a possibility. It will now be up to Hillary Clinton to prevent 2. {Refugees} EU,Greece Suedwesfrundfunk radio: ?The years of self-deception are coming back to haunt the EU. It is not news that Greece, even if it really wanted it, is unable to protect the 14,000 kilometers of external borders. It was one of the usual acts of self- deception on the part of the EU to accept this country as part of the Schengen The much lauded fight against the causes of migration is totally useless and will not succeed in many parts of the world in the foreseeable future. Refugees will continue to try to reach the EU, and ifthe EU continues to act as a club of nationalistic egoists and abuses Southern ltaly and Greece as upstream refugee camps, it will not only mean the end of the ELI, but inner?European conflicts will become inevitable. The only chance for the EU is if its members realize that each ofthem will have no chance if it acts on its Either the EU copes with its national restrictions or it will be punished by history, instead of shaping it." FAZ: "Greece does not completely lack responsibility for its current, critical For months, the government has guided the refugees north and ignored the protests from the other EU countries. Nevertheless, it is unprecedented that a European policy dispute is being carried out on the back ofan individual, weakened member Together with other Balkan states, Austria wants to force through a solution based on national border controls. Germany, in turn, insists on border controls further down south on the external border with Turkey. And this time, the chancellor explicitly ruled out a ?humanitarian exception? from the Dublin rules.? Hamburger Abandblal?t: ?it is very obvious that the Chancellor is correcting her policy. Angela Merkel is reacting very differently to the drama along the Greek-Macedonian border than she did half a year ago, when, in light of the negative pictures from Budapest she waived the refugees through to Germany. Now Merkel is demonstrating The escalation of the situation in Idomeni could force a European solution to the refugee crisis.? Regional Die Rheinpfalz: ?This chaos was foreseeable and who can dispute the fact that it was deliberate. - for instance, to put pressure on Greece to do more to safeguard the external borders, or to deter refugees. Human beings are deliberately being made victims of political decisions that are highly questionable. Such a policy is morally reprehensible and a violation ofthe Human Rights Charter, the Geneva Refugee Convention and the European Human Rights Convention. The European states are betraying the same fundamental EU values that it is asking the refugees, rightfully, to respect. 3. {Refugeesl Breedlove. Russia FAZ: "The calls to fight the refugee crisis at its roots are correct but they presuppose that we have the levers available to contain the crisis and calm the situation. But what will happen if others have an interest in encouraging the flow of refugees and the means to do it? Supreme Commander Philp Breedlove has now accused Russia and the Assad regime of using refugees as weapons to destabilize Europe and divide the EU and NATO. We have our doubts whether such calculations prompted Moscow to intervene, but there is no doubt that Russia's intervention has had such consequences. The cracks between European governments are deep and wide. But terrorist activities are CLASSI Fl CATI 0N: UNCLASBI Fl ED Page 2 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188125 Date: 01(061'2017 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc: No. 006188125 Date: 01l06f2017 CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 3 also *producing? This is another reason why we muet regain controi of the refugee crisis." Signature: EMERSON Drafted By: Friedheim Cleared By: Standaert, Timothy Approved By: PA:McKennan. Jacqueline Released By: Friedhefm WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC ROUTINE DIA WASHINGTON DC ROUTINE CIA DO ROUTTNE DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC RounNE; BRUSSELS, AMEMBASSY ROME, AMEMBASSY USNATO, USMISSION ROUTTNE USOSCE, USMISSION PARIS. AMENIBASSY ROUTINE UDITDUSAREUR HEIDELBERG GE ROUTINE HO USAFE RAMSTEIN AB GE ROUTINE HO USEUCONI VAIHINGEN GE ROUTTNE FRG COLLECTIVE ROUTTNE Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy WEED. CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188125 Date: UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188126 Date: O1f06r'2017 Fl CATI ON: Fl ED Page 1 of 4 From: SMART Archive Sent: 2324:2016 3:34:22 AM To: SMART Core Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: Syria: Debate over Cease-Fire; U.S.: Guantanamo closure; EU: Refugee Policy; Cyber Security: Apple vs. FBI UNCLASSIFIED MRN: 15 BERLIN 352 Feb 24, 2016 i 2413322 FEB 16 From: AMEMBASSY BERLIN Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE Rounan E.O.: 13525 TAGS: DPRG, KMDR, GM, BY, US, KDRG, EUN, PREF, KCYB Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: Syria: Debate over Cease-Fire; U.S.: Guantanamo closure; EU: Refugee Policy; Cyber Security: Apple vs. FBI Wednesday February 24, 2015 CONTENTS (Syria) Debate over Cease?Pi re (U.S.) Efforts to Close Guantanamo (EU) Refugee Policy {Cyber Security} Apple vs. FBI Risvlew AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior' Reviewer 1. {Syria} Debate over Cease-Fire Norddeufscher Rundfunk radio: "Vladimir Putin has finally reached his goal and returned to the global As so often before, Russia will create faits accomplis. And why? Because he can. With its Syria policy, the West has maneuvered itself into a dead?end Russia is dictating the future direction and pursues a foreign policy according to its own Following the summit in Minsk, Russia created facts, since a few days were left before the cease-?re entered into Russia will follow this model in Syria, too. By the weekend, the number of Russian air strikes will increase and thus the number of This cease-fire will not make the lives of the innocent civilians in Syria any safer." Sueddeufsche: "In all probability, the killing in Syria will go on in this Levantine proxy war, as will the exodus of refugees. This cease-fire seems hardly to be implementable The conditions are too It is a weak spot ofthe cease?fire agreement that the bombing of Eli. and the aI-Nusra front can go on. In Syria, it is hardly any longer possible to clearly distinguish between antiaAssad rebels and Western-defined rebels, which allows Putin to say that he is talking about al? Nusra [terrorists] when he really means the anti-Assad rebels. Putin?s calculation in the Syrian war remains the same old one. He wants to use bombs to improve the situation of his protege Assad and since many of the rebel groups are allied with al-Nusra, Putin, Assad and their Iranian allies can justify each violation of the It seems that President Obama has decided to allow Putin to do whatever he wants, to sacrifice rebels and to accept Assad?s survival. The side CLASSI Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 1 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188126 Date: 01106:?2017 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188126 Date: 01l06f20?l? CLASSI Fl CATI 0N: Fl ED Page 2 of 4 effects ofthis civil war are simply too great. In the end, Obama and Putin can agree - under the 'fighting ISIL and al?Nusra? - on a new version of the 'war on terror' that continues to be agreeable to those with influence in the Middle East.? Tagasspfegel: ?Progress in the Levant is proceeding at snail's pace and will be accompanied by setbacks, tricks and deceptions. It can be accelerated only if the ones who are willing to make peace achieve military supremacy and the ones who are delaying peace must fear that their negotiating position will worsen day after day. The West has decided not to improve its military position in Syria and the impact is now visible. President lClbama in particular is under fire. But would he be praised if he had sent soldiers to topple Assad and had accepted the burden of yet another occupation regime in an Islamic state after Iraq and Afghanistan? Of course not! The price of restraint also includes the following: Since the West is unable to force Assad [to quit], the only hope that remains are talks, despite all the well-founded skepticism.? Frankfurter Afigemafne: ?In the case of Syria, the Russian leadership seems to be interested in cooperating with the West. Without a word from Moscow, President Asad would not have agreed to the ceasefire and the elections. It is clear that Russia has the dictator of Damascus under control. This can only have one reason: without Russian help, his forces are obviously much weaker than many have thought. The Russian willingness for a ceasefire is not a miraculous development as it might seem at a first glance. For President Putin, this is a suitable moment for military de?escaiation. With limited resources, he achieved much. He stabilized his ally, renewed the Russian influence on Syria and the Middle East and achieved what has been denied to him in Ukraine. The Americans sat together with the Russians at a negotiating table. This is not just balm for the Russian soul that wants to be a world power again, it also offers the prospect of further strategic deals with Washington The Ukraine crisis taught us that we cannot trust the words of the Kremlin. We therefore have to wait and see whether the ceasefire will be implemented on Saturday. Frankfurter "Finally, we hear good news from Syria and we can only hope that the Geneva talks will be continued after this But the path to peace in Syria is long and has many obstacles, only one of which has been removed with the The foreign ministers and diplomats will have to work long hours before all sides will really stick to a cease-?re. Then further obstacles must be removed. We will see setbacks and disappointed expectations. But it would be wrong not to embark upon this path.? laz, die lagaszeffung: "In the current situation, Syria?s leader Assad had the great idea to announce parliamentary elections. With them, he wants to demonstrate, who, despite five years of civil war and a quarter ofa million of victims, is going to pull the strings in the future, and that despite all the hostilities against his regime, this is the only legitimate regime in Syria that is based on a democratic consensus. However, ?democratic? as he understands it: Assad?s re-election as president in 2014 was the model: he was elected only in those regions where the regime had the control. The results were accordingly. 2. Efforts to Close Guantanamo Sfiddautsshe: "The U.5. military camp of Guantanamo Bay is a symbol of how countries under the rule of law can get lost when they feel threatened. By now, it has also become a symbol of lack of determination. Barack Obama wanted to close the prison at the beginning of his presidency, but failed to do so. Now, with Congress against him, the project is hopeless. The election campaign to determine his successor is not promising anything good. The Republicans still believe that the rule of law can be switched off whenever it is annoying. White House candidates like Donald Trump and Marco Rubio favor special prisons and torture. If one ofthe two wins, Guantanamo will be revived. The location of Guantanamo is not the core of the problem: the core problem is that a number of inmates with life sentences have never been before a judge. What does the U.5. plan to do with those suspects it believes to be dangerous but whose guilt they cannot prove? How can this be brought in line with the rule of law? George W. Bush responded to this by locking people away and torturing them. Ubama abolished the torture but allowed drones to swarm out, which also settles the question of what to do with the people you arrest. The question remains unanswered fifteen years after 91'11. Guantanamo reminds us of this.? Frankfurter Allgemefne: "in his last year in office, President Obama is once again making one more perhaps desperate attempt to close Guantanamo. lfwe are not mistaken or a miracle happens, this attempt will fail in Congress. A closure CLASSI Fl CATI ON: Fl ED Page 2 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 006188126 Date: UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 006188126 Date: 01f06i201? CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 4 would mean that a number of detainees ?those who cannot be released or brought to trial have to be transferred to prisons on U.S. soil. Congress will do everything to prevent this. In an election year, where the political tone is harsh and some Republican wannabe presidents see Guantanamo as an important tool in countering terrorism, there is no reaching out or building bridges. The president must hope for other countries to take detainees. Guantanamo, which Obama promised to close at the beginning of his ?rst term, remains a grim, sad chapter in America's counterterrorism policy.? 3. Refugee Policy Suedwestrundfunk: "Eu rope has shut itself away. Its efforts to protect itself from the strangers from Africa and the Arab region only reflect the internal state of the EU. Those who are at odds concerning their goals and the Brussels summit revealed shocking things regarding a Brexit have hardly any choice but to respond reflexively and reject all external influences and, thus, further problems. The conclusion is shocking and does not bode well for the coming years, because the internal centrifugal forces will increase, not Let?s try to overcome the refugee crisis in the refugees? countries of origin. This idea is not new. But unfortunately, we have only started thinking about it; we have not really got to grips with the problem because it needs more time and patience than most of the politicians and others in our world think they have. But the idea is better and more sustainable than continuing to shut oneself 4. (Cyber Security} Apple vs. FBI Sueddeufsche: ?For days, Apple has refused to help the FBI crack the iPhone ofa The FBI must blame itself because it has failed because of a commercial company, which many users support for its stance. For years, politicians and agencies have ignored digital civil rights - not only in the U.S. but also in Germany. Who wants a government that spies without reason on its citizens - and this nationwide; who wants to give such a government the key to crack cellphones? People are suspicious of politicians and intelligence On a regular basis, the situation worsens because the gloomy fears of the people keep coming true. In the case of Apple, a U.S. prosecutor had to admit that he is waiting for a ruling that will force Apple to its knees and then he wants to decipher hundreds of cell phones. Maybe it is better to keep Pandora?s Box closed." Die Welt: "If Apple refuses to cooperate with the FBI, then the issue will not be data protection but Apple's special rights. There is no reason why a citizen?s iPhone should be more sacred than his bedroom, his car, computer or office. Apple Tim Cook?s argument that the company would open floodgates to hackers if it gave the FBI the key borders on hypocrisy. Since 2688, Apple has given access to the FBI in 76 cases without once making it a security problem. The company has obviously forgotten that the users of its devices are not only customers but also citizens who have an interest in being protected from terrorist and With its extreme position, Apple is damaging justified concerns about data protection, not promoting them.? Signature: LOGSDON Drafted By: BERLiN:Temath, Friedheim Cleared By: Standaert, Timothy Approved By: PA:McKennan, Jacqueline Released By: Friedhelm ll'lf?i WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC ROUTINE DIA WASHINGTON DC ROUTINE CIA WASHINGTON DC Rooms DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC BRUSSELS, AMEMBASSY ROME, AMEMBASSY USNATO, USMISSION Rounne USOSCE, USMISSION PARIS, AMEMBASSY UDITDUSAREUR HEIDELBERG GE HQ USAFE RAMSTEIN A8 GE ROUTINE USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE ROUTTNE FRG COLLECTIVE .. . . . . CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188126 Date: 01f06f2017 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 006188126 Date: D1IOE3J2017 Fl ON: UNCLASSE FI ED Page 4 of 4 Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy UNCLASSIFIEQ CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 4 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188126 Date: 01f06!2017 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 00618812? Date: O1f06l2017 CLASSI Fl CATI 0N: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 1 of 3 From: SMART Archive IN FULL Sent: 3l14l201? 9:55:17 AM To: SMART Core Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: EU: Refugee Crisis; U.S.: Foreign Policy, Obama The Atlantic; Economic: ECB Policy: Germany: State Parliament Elections UNCLASSIFIED 16 BERLIN 460 DatelDTG: Mar 14, 201511413522 MAR 16 From: AMEMBASSY BERLIN Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE ROUTINE E.O.: 13526 TAGS: OPRC, KMDR, DE, EUN, PREF, US Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: EU: Refugee Crisis; US: Foreign Policy, Obama The Atlantic; Economic: ECB Policy; Germany: State Parliament Elections No; 43 Monday March 14, 2016 CONTENTS Refugee Crisis Foreign Policy, Dbama in The Atlantic {Economic} Policy {Germany} State Parliament Elections newest AUTHORITY: snares Lahiguera,'Senior' Reviewer 1. (EU) Refugee Crisis ?Greece is right to feel left The pictures of the misery inldomeni went around the world, but it is surprising to see that the outrage faded quickly. For Austria and the countries along the Balkan Route, Idomeni is a cruel example. By closing their borders, they have deliberately caused this situation to deter refugees and migrants - at the expense of Greece But instead of seeking a common solution, the EU engaged in a dishonest discussion atthe EU summit. It was too much for Greece to cope with so many refugees, and this is why Athens allowed them to pass - and the EU leaders decided to present a mock solution with the ?hotspots? on Greek islands. But they did not think about how to implement such a Of course, it is now important to provide food to tens of thousands of refugees in Greece but this is not the only problem. The question is how to offer them a perspective. Away out could he the so- called ?relocation? program but a number of EU countries still refuse to accept any refugees at all. Thus a solution to the situation in Greece and the refugee crisis will always fail due to the same problem: a lack of solidarity in the EU and tough unilateral moves by individual nations." Spiegel online {03/12}: ?This is a bad day for refugees in the Greek mud, and for Europe?s asylum laws. Not a single refugee turned up at Austria?s border in Spielfeld on Friday. And if Chancellor Merkel implements her deal with Turkey, Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 1 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 00618812? Date: 01r06l201? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 00618812? Date: 01i06i2017 CLASSI Fl ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 2 of 3 Ankara will become a safe third state. For Afghans, Iranians and Eritreans who enter the EU via Turkey, there will be no more political asylum in Europe, irrespective of whether or not they are politically persecuted in their own countries. They will now be considered illegal migrants. What started as a humanitarian refugee policy ends up by bidding farewell to the Geneva Refugee Convention." 2. llJ.S.) Foreign Policy, Obama in 1'ng Atlantic Frankfurter Ailgemeine; "Foreign policy topics have not yet been dealt with in any depth in the primaries. Both parties? contenders for the presidency have drafted rough sketches reflecting deeper convictions and positions. Democrat Hillary Clinton wants to stick to the US. role of global leader and revive the transatlantic relationship. Although she accused her rival Bernie Sanders of ?demagogic protectionism,? Clinton also expressed remarkable skepticism about the Pacific free trade agreement TPP, which she had vehemently supported as Secretary of State. Republican Donald Trump is no less skeptical about free trade and he believes in isolation when it comes to immigration. His ugly choice ofwords could hardly be more xenophobic. Trump admires authoritarian leaders like Putin and expresses disrespect for American?s traditional allies in Europe and Asia. He wants to make America great again through some kind ofdivine magic. His rival Senator Ted Cruz presents himself as a friend ofthe armed forces, an ultra-realist skeptical of interventions, and an enemy to immigration from Latin America. These are only the bare outlines of a foreign and security strategy. However, one thing can be said with certainty: whoever succeeds Barack Obama in the White House will ?nd a long list of crises and con?icts as well as political constraints that will sustainably limit the presidential freedom ofaction.? Sueddeufsche (3f12): "The criticism of his allies that President Obama has now raised in his interview with Ihg Atlantic looks a bit He complained about Libya and we can certainly interpret the matter as Obama did but nevertheless, Obama?s criticism seems self-righteous. Was the confidence he had in the Europeans, which was bitterly disappointed, not in reality an excuse to keep America out of another war? Was it a well-founded expectation, a vague hope orjust naive of him to hope that the Europeans would take care of Libya? For reservations about the bloody turmoil in the Middle East, Obama invented the term ?to lead from the background.? But maybe Libya is an example of what can happen when the former leading power ?leads from the background Dbama does not see America as the global cop. He wants other countries to take care of law and order in their region instead of calling for the U.S. But what he dramatically underestimated is the extent to which other countries are willing or able to create law and Dbama?s wish for allies is understandable But, at the same time, he demonstrated a surprisingly negligent relationship with traditional U.S. allies. He let relationships slide like scarcely a U.S. president before him; he even wantoniy put them at The result is a vacuum. It was left by a giant, and the dwarves are unable to ?ll it." 3. {Economic} ECB Policy Sueddeufsche: ?It would be disastrous to lose sight of the long?term effects of 'easy money? in light of any short-term positive effects [of Mario Draghi?s policy}. His unwavering (and false} adherence tothe course of 'easy money? is not only a nuisance for savers and investors, who are now confronted with negative interest rates and have, in reality, been expropriated. For companies, too, the ECB's policy is also a great danger especially for companies in Germany and other prospering countries in the EU. Not only because sound German SMEs, which have not run up any debt, do not get any interest on their assets with the banks. The fundamental risks and the collateral damage caused by Draghi?s policy are German companies promised to pay their staff a pension once they retire. But in light ofthe current zero interest rates, they are hardly in a position to do There are many ?gures on company balance sheets that now could turn out to be disastrous. The situation is dangerous, because much depends on the success of Germany companies - iobs, our prosperity and not least the prosperity of other European countries." Welt am Sonntag "lvlario Draghi is in a historically unique position in which centrifugal forces are pulling from all sides and Draghi has decided to pursue a policy of brute force. The problematic thing about Draghi?s ECB policy is that hardly anyone can depart from it. Banks and states are already dependent on the funds and will even increase this dependency in the future. it is possible that Draghi will achieve his goal and stimulate the granting of loans and encourage companies to make more investments but monetary policy is not everything. Europe as an economic area will remain competitive and survive in the long run only if citizens and decision-makers understand themselves as part ofa common economic area and act accordingly. The debate over the re-introduction of border controls, the egotism in CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 00618812? Date: UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (30618812? Date: CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 3 the refugee question and the upcoming Brexit referendum are poison to this common view. Money alone wiil not make us happy or resolve every 4. {Germany} State Parliament Elections Frankfurter Aligemeine: ?Although Chancellor Merkel was not up for reelection in one ofthe three states on Sunday, it was a vote on her policy. The refugee issue has been the most dominant topic on the minds of Germans for months. Many polls indicated that Merkel?s policy would cost the CDU (and many German politics will have to deal with the issue of migrants for a long time, and probably under less favorable economic, social and fiscal conditions. The grand coalition was punished on Sunday for having polarized Germany with its refugee policy. Will Merkei change course at the upcoming EU summit after such election results? A camel would rather pass through the of a needle. Who within the CDU can force her to change? Since Sunday, the party has fewer options in the question of who could succeed her.? Bii?d: ?Mantel will stay the course. The price is a deeply divided This poses A real threat to Merkel. No chancellor has been able to govern for a long time against the wiil of his or her own party.? Signature: LOGSDON Drafted By: Friedhelm Cleared By: Standaert. Timothy Approved By: PAMCKennan. Jacqueline Released By: Friedhelm nf0i WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC ROUITNE DIA WASHINGTON DC CIA WASHINGTON DC DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC RouuNE BRUSSELS, AMEMBASSY ROME, AMEMBASSY ?10me USNATO, USMISSION ROUITNE USOSCE. USMISSION PARIS, AMEMBASSY RouriNE UDITDUSAREUR HEIDELBERG GE RDUDNE HQ USAFE RAMSTEIN AB GE ROUTINE HQ USEUCDM VAIHINGEN GE ERG COLLECTIVE eounwe Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy UNCLASSI IED CLASSI Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 3 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (30618812? Date: 01i06i201? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188128 Date: 01r'06f2017 UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 4 From: SMART Archive Sent: 2i29i2016 9:84:51 AM To: SMART Core Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: Syria: Cessation of Hostilities; Iran: Elections: South China Sea; Germany: Refugees; EU: Refugees: Trade: T-TIP UNCLASSIFIED MRN: 16 BERLIN 382 DatefDTG: Feb 29, 2016 i 291402Z FEB 16 From: AMEMBASSY BERLIN Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE ROUTTNE E.0.: 13526 TAGS: GPRC, KMDR, DE, SY, IR, CN, US, EUN, PREF, BEEP Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: Syria: Cessation ofHostilities; Iran: Elections; South China Sea; Germany: Refugees; EU: Refugees; Trade: T-TIP Monday February 25, 2016 CONTENTS 1. {Syria} Cessation of Hostilities 2. [Iranl Elections 3. {South China Seal Missile Test 4. lU.S.-Europel Primaries 5. (Germany; Merkel on Refugee Policy 5. Refugee Policy 7. Tra Review AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, seniorT Reviewer _j 1. {Syria} Cessation FAZ [02126]: "For the first time after many months of killings, devastations and displacements, there is reason for cautious hope after almost one hundred rebel forces approved the cease?re. The prestige of their patrons, the U5. and Russia, is linked to it and Moscow exerted pressure on the Assad regime to approve after it had strengthened Assad?s negotiating position. It would be a blessing for the population if this cease-?re held, and if a political process could follow. By then, there will also have to be a decision on Assad ?s future." Tagesspiegel am Sonnfag: ?We can hardly believe it, but in parts of Syria, the weapons are silent. This is a blessing for the suffering civilian population, most To this extent, the preliminary cease?re is a surprising success for dipiomacy and a ray of hope for all those Syrians who are suffering from the conflict of But as frustrating as it may sound, it is by no means clear whether the ceasefire will hold longer than a few days-.. Ruler Assad and his murderous cronies will stay in power for the time As the allegedly lesser evil, this is the man who is supposed to give the country stability, at least on paper, to prevent even more Syrians from coming to Europe. But such a hope is CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. {306188128 Date: 01i06f201? UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. Doc No. COB-188128 Date: 01i0812017 Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 2 of 4 nothing but an illusion. The Sunni majority will hardly accept Assad at the top, because they are suffering under the current regime. This means that they will either continue to ?ght the despot or they will leave, cease??re or no." Munchener Merkur: ?The deceptive calm will probably not last for too long. ISIL and al-Nusra will continue to be fought while other dubious units will be spared. It is also an illusion to expect the more than 100 rebel groups that are active in Syria will suddenly support peace. The vast majority of these forces are often only a means for the powers supporting them to wage a proxy war in which the well?being of the people does not play a role, only the question of who is in power in Syria. This means that the country has a chance for peace only ifthe directors of this fatal play finally demonstrate their willingness to rein in their soldiers. Is this a reason for true optimism? Unfortunately no Regional Allgemer'ne Zeil?ung of Mainz: "As much as the brutal Russian intervention has resulted in more victims, as uncontroversial is it that Moscow?s intervention has made an end ofthe war possible. The price is that the end ofthe ?ghting will be possible only with, and not against, Assad. But Putin will now insist first and foremost that the U.S., the EU and NATO do not pursue a policy against Russia. This is not only a risk; it could also be an opportunity. 2. [Iran] Elections Frankfurter Aligemer'ne: "The rollback of revolutionary elements makes Iran more predictable. President Rouhani will build up relations with the West, to which Iran offers its market and help to ?ght ISIL. However, he will not introduce a change of course in Syria because Tehran sees the Syrian regime as a bulwark against lSlL, which is an existential threat to Tehran. With the strengthening of the reformers, the chances for dialogue between rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran are growing. Such a dialogue is the condition for containing the religiously fuelled wars in the Middle East and thus influencing the causes of the mass migration. Riyadh and Tehran have in recent days at least called upon their allies in Syria to respect the ceasefire.? ded'eutsche: ?Iranian President Rouhani has declared the parliamentary elections in his country to be a vote of confidence, saying that this was not about seats in parliament, but about the nuclear agreement, about his policy of opening the country to the West and a pragmatic approach to the rest ofthe world. Flouhani's victory is impressive -and the he has good prospects for a second term." Tagesspl'egel: "What the lranians did not vote on is their hopes for real political reforms, democracy and the rule of law. This was not an option. The vote on the future setup of the people?s representation had nothing to do with western standards. Only candidates who were registered by the arch-conservative Council oquardlans could be elected, meaning conformist candidates. Freedom is something different. Also, the results will not fundamentally change balance of power. Rouhani ?s opponents are not yet done. They still rule in?uential bodies like the Council of Guardians and the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards and thus they still rule the country '5 domestic and foreign policies. Rouhanl would not even think of questioning this. He is part of the system.? Handelsblafr: "Those who now expect a revolution against the revolutionary leader All Khamenei are wrong. Rouheni and his supporters do not want to oust the ayatollahs. The moderate forces will not resist the system or take even more radical steps. They want to take a pragmatic approach, to attract foreign investors to boost the economy, liberalize the markets, and fight corruption. They don?t care about ideology, pushing back the conservative ayatollahs, or respecting human rights. To them, it?s all about the economy. back :9 togA 3. {South China Sea) Missile Test Berliner Zeilung and Frankfurter ?in a classical way, the global powers are demonstrating their claim for global power. The US. has now launched a Minuteman missile. In such a situation, is it not surprising that the little man in Pyongyang also wants to be great and is playing with missiles, too? But this game can quickly become serious. The decisive factor is that the last superpower and the country that would like to be a superpower are modernizing their nuclear As cynical as it may sound, maybe it would not be so bad ifa thermonuclear seriousness returned to global politics. Compared to today, the Cold War was a rather peaceful Today, arms modernization continues, and the super destructive weapons no longer have a deterrence factor - at least not to Islamic extremists, since they do Fl CATI 0N: Fl ED Page 2 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (308188128 Date: 01r06l2017 UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188128 Date: 01!06i?2017 UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 4 not fear death. As a result, such weapons have shrunk to costly status symbols. Greetings from Kim Yong-uh." back to top? 4. {U.S.-Europe) Primaries, Refugees Tagesspfegel am Sonnfag: "During the euro crisis, the Americans interfered here and there but the pressure on Europe, or the willingness for a joint political action was limited. And now, with the refugee crisis creating so much unease in Europe, we hear even less from the In the 0.5., the willingness is probably great to leave the Europeans to themselves. Regarding the euro crisis this was understandable, but it can hardly be in the U.S. interest that the destabilization in the Middle East continues to spread. The same is true when it comes to a Brexit or more influence on Eastern Europe by Vladimir Putin. We have more political options with the Americans than without them. And the same is true also for the Americans. The political drifting apart will now even be increased by cultural alienation. The New York Times is reporting that Germans are ?in the grip of the extreme right? and the Europeans are speechless in light of vulgar Donald Trump?s successes. Both phenomena obviously reinforce familiar impressions about the other country. But the growing distance does not make Europe or America stronger.? back to top? 5. (Germany) Merkel on Refugee Policy ?The Chancellor resolutely defends her course, saying that Europe could come out ofthe crisis stronger despite the barbed wire on the Balkan route, despite Austria and the Viennese limit, and despite the criticism from so many European countries. is lvlerkel still seeing a clear picture? Certainly, and she is now ?ghting. She ?nally tries to explain what she is doing; making clear that she believes in Europe and wants to get Turkey on board. Merkel is not pursuing such a course because she is crazy, but because she wants to rescue the European fabric, even though you might sometimes have the impression that Europe is currently not worth it. The message ofthe Chancellor is that Europe is certainly worth it. We did not rescue Greece in the Euro crisis to abandon it now." handefsbiaitcom: ?If we had to describe Angela Merkel's refugee policy in the past, the word 'determination? would not have occurred to us. After her appearance on the Anne Will talk show on Sunday, this can no longer be Merltel was really feisty. However, she did not have many new things to say; she just reiterated last year?s message that ?we can do This is courageous, maybe also naive, given the pressure on her and the number of refugees who arrive in Greece every day. But those who expected her to change the course shortly before the state elections were wrong." back t9 top? 6. (EU) Refugee Policy FAZ Sonntagszer'fung: ?There is only one chance to reduce the influx of refugees: The Greeks, together with the Turks, must try to protect their border in the Aegean Sea and then contain the flow of refugees. This is the Merkel plan. Level One is to use NATO against human smugglers in the Aegean Sea. In this respect, the Turkish coast is important: structures must be crushed there, beginning with the trade in rubber dinghies, rafts, and lifejackets. If the NATO vessels fish migrants from the waters, they are allowed to bring them back to Turkey and this is important. Level Two must require Ankara to take those refugees who even managed to make it to Greece. But Turkey will only do this if the EU is willing to accept part of the burden through quotas. Can this work out? It depends on whether Ankara can stop the influx of refugees from Syria and whether there are enough Europeans willing to share the burden.? Tagesthemen The attempts to close borders and deter have not resulted ina reduction of the ?ow of refugees; they have only shifted the problem. Gradually, Europe?s gates will be closed, as will its internal and external borders. The closer the doors are shut, the more people will try to enter Europe through the windows. As long as their home countries are burning, they must No one can deny the fact that this is currently a massive burden for Germany. This burden must be reduced without any refugee losing the right to have his or her claim for protection Europe must see migration as what it really is -a normal occurrence in human history. it is important to agree on long-term solutions instead of waiting until shocking news from the next border demands a makeshift solution, especially in times when countries are trying to outdo each other with ever more restrictive measures." back totop? 7. {Trade} CLASSEFICATION: Page 3 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-08405 Doc No. (306188128 Date: 01i06r?201?? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-08405 Doc No. (306188128 Date: CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 4 of 4 taz, die tageszeirung: "The EU is disintegrating and acceptance of the EU is eroding wherever you look. It seems paradoxical in such a situation that the movement against T-TIP and CETA is among the few carriers of hope for a better Europe. The EU institutions are unable to overcome these political crises. They only worsen them with their refugee and austerity policies; their adherence to the neo?liberal transatlantic trade agreements and CETA isjust one more example of the The current counter movement is supported by activists who want more; they want a different European trade and economic poiicy, but they do not want to return to a nation state. They are expanding their cross? national network for a new Europe from the bottom up; a network that stands on solidarity and on more, not less, What parties and governments did not achieve can probably be achieved with this approach - the development of a vision of a Europe based on democracy and solidarity. If they succeed, they wiII continue to exist in the course of this year, while EU institutions will stop at nothing to rush through T-TIP and hesitates: Signature: LOGSDON Drafted By: Friedhelm Cleared By: Standaert, Timothy Approved By: PA:McKennan, Jacqueline Released By: Friedhelm Info: WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC eounive DIA WASHINGTON DC ROUTINE CIA WASHINGTON DC ROUTTNE DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC aounrve BRUSSELS, AMEMBASSY ROME, AMEMBASSY aoumve; USNATO. USMISSION eoumve USOSCE. USMISSION Rooms; PARIS, AMEMBASSY UOITDUSAREUR HEIDELBERG GE ROUTINE HO USAFE RAMSTEIN AB GE ROUTINE HO USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE ROUTINE FRG COLLECTIVE ROUTINE Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 4 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Dapartment of State Case No. F-2016-U6405 Doc No. (306188128 Date: 01I'06f20?l? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 006188129 Date: 0110612017 CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 3 in FULL From: SMART Archive Sent: 3i2l2016 9:1?:54 AM To: SMART Core Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: Iran: Elections; EU: Greece, Refugees; Trade: U.S.: Primaries; US.- Germany: Steinmeier Visit UNCLASSIFIED MRN: 16 393 DatelDTG: Mar 02. 201E l0214162 MAR 18 From: AMEMBASSY BERLIN Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE ROWNE E.D.: 13526 TAGS: OPRC, KMDR, DE, IR. EUN, GR, PREF, BEXP, US Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: Iran: Elections; EU: Greece, Refugees; Trade: U.S.: Primaries; U_S_-Germany: Steinmeier Visit Wednesday March 2, 2016 CONTENTS 1. llran} Elections 2- Greece, Refugee Crisis AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera,5enior' 3- (Trade) {Reviewer 4. Primaries 5. lU.S.-Germanyl Kerry-Steinmeier Meeting 1. (Iran) Elections Siiddeutsche: "More freedom rights for citizens, as promised by Iran's President, will be dif?cult to implement, and it is difficult to imagine Iran pursuing a new foreign policy in Syria or a normalization of relations with the U.S. However, an economic opening to Europe is doable. The reason is not just the situation in parliament. Hardliners still control the most powerful institutions, which set limits to the government and parliament. The supreme leader has the most senior institutions under his control -the Council of Guardians, the security apparatus, and thejudicial system. In addition, there are a number ofinfluential religious foundations and the economic empire ofthe Revolutionary Guards, which have signi?cant in?uence. Khamenei is not immune to the pressure to change, as the nuclear agreement has shown. He knows that the election was a devastating vote against hardliners. He does support certain items on the moderate agenda, such as the European investment program. The political spectrum is therefore growing, the focus has moved to the center. However, even Khatami could not launch fundamental reforms at the end ofthe 19905, although the parliament was on his side. Many of the freedom rights he granted were cut again. The decision about Iran?s courSe will be taken some time in the future, when the council of experts votes on a successor to Ali Khamenei, who has been appointed for life.? CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188129 Date: 01i0612017 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case NO. Doc: No. 006188129 Date: 011061201? CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 3 die fageszefl?ung: ?The unexpectedly good performance by reformers and moderates is encouraging but a good performance in elections is by no means an election victory. The reformers know that President Rouhani must make cautious and careful moves forward and not risk what he achieved in these Iran is surrounded by crises and problems, and the hopes ofthe voters will be ful?lled only if Rouhani succeeds in preserving his country as a point of calm in a crisis-ridden Middle and Near 2. (EU) Greece, Refugee Crisis Die Well: "The special EU summit next Monday could turn into a summit on Greece, because the country has become the next refugee emergency for the EU. The UNHCR made unmistakably clear that the number of boat people is on the rise. Alexis Tsipras?s shaken country is now faced with another humanitarian and political crisis. The EU must take action. The notion that chaos in Greece could be useful to deter refugees is as morally reprehensible as it is short-sighted. Those who escaped the civil wars in the Middle East will not be stopped by such pictures, and those who want to misuse Greece as an EU internment camp to maintain the calm at home will realize will not be successful. Athens needs assistance.? Sfuftgarfer Zedong: "Greece should not be left in the lurch. The country is unable to set up an efficient aid system in light of its ailing state system and the almost unique egotism of the central government towards the municipalities. It is now coming back to haunt the West that it treated its EU partner as an oversized olive plantation and valued it at best as a holiday paradise. Brussels is curreutly working on an emergency plan for Greece. We can only hope that the Europeans demonstrate a willingness to achieve a consensus. If Prime Minister Tsipras now threatens to block decisions ofthe Turkey summit, then it is not blackmail but an understandable act of self-defense.? Kolner Stadf Anzelger: ?Athens now needs vigorous support from the EU and international aid organizations when it comes to the accommodation and the support of refugees and the repatriation of economic refugees who have no chance of asylum. Europe must primarily agree on an equitable distribution ofthe refugees who have a right to be protected. The solution cannot be to turn Greece into a vast internment camp. Those who are trying risk plunging the country into chaos.? 3. (Trade) T-TIP Suedo'eulsche and CETA critics will not fall silent. They will continue to criticize T-TIP and CETA even though they have now achieved a great success. The Commission took the arguments ofopponents seriously and considered them to be correct. We could also say that Brussels gave in to the protests, which primarily concern the controversial arbitration The old system of arbitration courts will no longer exist in CETA. The question is whether the Commission will also succeed in incorporating the same approach in The 0.5. wants to stick to the current ISDS system, probably because it has never lost a case before an arbitration The agreement between the 0.5. and Canada is now creating something on which governments and companies can really rely: greater legal security. Ifthe Americans accepted this, the T-TIP critics and the European Commission would have reached their goal. Ifthe U.S. does not accept such a solution, the Europeans can still reject the arbitration courts and exclude investor protection, because T-TIP should not fail because of this issue." Under the headline: "Hope for Handelsblatf editorialized: ?Economics Minister Gabriel?s expectations for the inclusion in ofthe CETA version of arbitration courts should not be very high, because the U.5. is not Canada. Dyer the past few months, many people have gained the impression that the 0.3. has lax consumer protection rules. This is surprising, particularly since it was the 0.5. that broke the VW scandal It is very likely that the debate over about arbitration courts in the framework of will be fiercer in Europe - and in Germany in particular - than the debate in the framework of Gabriel and other proponents of cannot lean back and relax, but there is a little more hope. The current change is to the benefit of democracy because it was popular protests that resulted in the adfustments. And this shows that it is reading the text of agreements. 4. Primaries Splegel onlfne: "Europeans have never been so scared of America. Demagogue Donald Trump is likely to be the great CLASSI Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 2 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188129 Date: 01l06l2017 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 006188129 Date: 01r06r2017 CLASSI Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 3 of 3 winner of Super But the real disaster scenario is that Trump moves into the White House and we Europeans are squeezed between ice?cold cvnic Vladimir Putin and loudmouth narcissist Donald Trump. International politics would become even more complicated and conflicts are likely:' to be resolved in Wild West fashion. From a European point of view, Trump is the incarnation ofa reckless, militaristic, super capitalist America. But as a matter of fact, Trump is being propelled forward on a great wave of popular Trump?s simple promise to make America *great again? isjust that - a promise; but for the rest ofthe world it sounds like a We can only hope that, after Super Tuesday, the fragmentation of the Trump opponents will come to an end, because Trump is only strong as long as his opponents are at odds with each other. Even if the Trump hysteria is pushing aside everything else ?Trump is not America. He only represents the ugh]:I side of America.? 5. {Oi-Germany} Kerry-Steinmeier Meeting Frankfurter Ailgemer'ne: ?The United States no longer plays the same leadership role in international politics as it did in the past. The Dbama government vehementlv rejects such arguments, but there are man'sr governments in the Middle East and Europe who complain about America?s reduced engagement in world politics. Will Obama?s successor increase U.S. engagement again, or further reduce it? In the primaries, we hear some nee?isolationist voices from the Republicans. It is understandable that America?s allies are not excited about this. It is not a coincidence that Foreign Minister Steinmeier warned Americans on the eve of Super Tuesdav against withdrawing from world Trump wants to build walls and seal America off. The debate about immigration and globalization and related changes is hitting Americans hard. But many others are also affected. Signature: EMERSON Drafted By: Friedheim Cleared By: Standaert. Timothy Approved By: PAchKennan, Jacqueline Released By: BERLiNzTemath, Friedhelm ??03 WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC DIA WASHINGTON DC RounNE; CIA WASHINGTON DC Rounrve DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC BRUSSELS. AMEMBASSY nounrve; ROME. AMEMBASSY soumve; USNATO, USMISSION aounrve; USOSOE, USMISSION Rounive PARIS, AMEMBASSY aourwe UDITDUSAREUR HEIDELBERG GE Rooms HO USAFE RAMSTEIN AB GE ROUTINE HO USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE Rounrve FRG ROUTTNE Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy UNCLASSIFIED CLASSF Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 3 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 006188129 Date: 011061201? UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188130 Date: 01l?06!2017 CLASSI Fl CATI 0N: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 1 of 3 From: SMART Archive RELEASE in FULL Sent: 3l17l2016 9:06:22 AM To: SMART Core Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: Syria: Russian Troop Withdrawal; EU-Turkey: Upcoming Summit; Belgium: Brussels Terror Raid: Trade: U.S.: Primaries 16 BERLIN 480 DatleTG: Mar17, 2016 1T13OSZ MAR 16 From: AMEMBASSY BERLIN Aotion: WASHDC. SECSTATE Room-us E.0.: 13526 TAGS: OPRC, KMDR, DE. SY, RU, EUN, TR, PTER, BEXP, US Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: Syria: Russian Troop Withdrawal; EU-Turltey: Upcoming Summit; Belgium: Brussels Terror Raid; Trade: Primaries Thursday March 17, 2015 CONTENTS (Syria} Russian Troop Withdrawal (EU-Turkey} Upcoming Summit {Belgium} Brussels Terror Raid {Trade} T-TIP (U.S.) Primaries REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer 1. [Syria] Russian Troop Withdrawal Weekly Die Zeit: "The world is puzzled and is trying to work out whether the Russian withdrawal from Syria really means the end ofthe Russian phase of expansion that began in Georgia in 2008, led to the theft of land in Ukraine and ended with an open war in Syria? Is Moscow running out of money to save the dictator in Damascus? Two things are clear: Putin can reinforce his army in Syria any If Assad is unable to continue the war, Putin can outsource it war to Hezbollah and He must not be afraid that Barack Ubama will try to strengthen his power in the Middle East again during his last 300 days in office. Putin has achieved his main goals. Moscow demonstrated its willingness to use force. America has been downgraded in the Middle East and Russia has now reconquered the strongholds from which it was displaced in the Putin is reducing costs but keeping all his options open not a bad balance sheet. Will the Syrian people benefit from this? The peace talks will continue in Geneva. But bitter experience teaches us that internal wars end only if one side wins or all sides are exhausted.? 2. (Turkey-EU} Upcoming Summit CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188130 Date: UNCLASSIFIED U.8. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. (306188130 Date: O1i'06i'2017' UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 3 Frankfurter Affgemeine: ?Merkel is right in saying that the decisive question is how we can succeed in reducing the influx of refugees to all countries, notjust a few. There is no agreement on this within the EU. Different concepts clash, with isolation and deterrence on the one side, acceptance and integration on the other. l'vlerkel?s plan tries to combine elements of both approaches. However, the power of her plan is compromised by her playing Mother Teresa to the refugees at the beginning of the crisis. As much as her concern for the humanity and honor does her credit, her approach reminds her partners of Germany 's moral imperative." Silddeufsche ?An agreement with Turkey would be a deal with some shortcomings and question marks, but it would be more signi?cant than anything the EU has achieved in months, apart from the closure of borders by some Such an agreement with Turkey would be the result of Merkel ?s The calls on her to change course are therefore difficult to understand. Such calls have become a fetish, an unclear panacea that has no chance of resolving the refugee Nobody else has come up with a plan that makes more sense. Merkei is the only one so far who has made concrete proposals to resolve the refugee crisis. It is true that it is not easy to implement, and it binds the EUto TUrkey, a very difficult partner. it also costs a lot of money and it is uncertain whether it will work.? Tagesspiegef: "It is important that Merkel persuades as many as possible of the other 2? EU countries of her plan, in which Turkey plays a key role in resolving the refugee problem. The fact that Turkish President Erdogan is not an ideal partner due to his lack of democratic convictions is unfortunately true. The Chancellor, however, highlighted that Turkey has given a safe home to more than two million Syrian refugees, while the much larger democratic Europe has failed to distribute a mere 160,000.? Neue Osnabr?cker Zeitung: ?The EU-Turkey summit must be a success. If it is not, the humanitarian catastrophe will intensify. The question of whether the EU is reaching out too far to Turkey or even allowing the country to blackmail it is misleading because Ankara?s demands are not unreasonable. 3. (Belgium) Brussels Terror Raid Frankfurter Allgemefne: ?The shocking thing about the reoccurring terrorist incidents in Belgium is that the authorities are repeatedly caught on the wrong foot. During the raid of a home in Brussels, which ended in a shooting, investigators had correctly identi?ed an apartment but were not expecting anybody to be This is not just a Belgian peculiarity, even though its authorities do not seem to be very efficient. The French authorities have also made mistakes before and after attacks. Concerning the work of the police, the EU must therefore ask whether the right conclusions have been drawn as a result of the numerous lsla mist attacks. The statement that police were taken by surprise is unacceptable 15 years after 9(11" 4. (Trade) Handelsofatf: ?The two leading presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton would no longer sign the commitment tofree trade that air-President Ronald Reagan gave in This makes clear that, even if President Dbama succeeds in wrapping up a T-TIP deal by the end of the year, it is by no means clear that his successor will sign it. Trump and Clinton are not the only ones who blame free trade foriob losses and economic In Germany, too, there is a rampant fear of uncontrolled globalization, which allegedly jeopardizes prosperity and Tougher international competition is obviously too much for many workers. But politics and business are called upon to make it easier for workers to adjust to the new situation with temporary financial assistance and further training courses. if necessary, the speed of globalization should even be slowed down to allow more people to keep pace. But it is right to say that trade is not a zero-sum game, in which the profits of one side are balanced by the losses of others. To sum it up we can say that the exchange of goods and services will create more advantages than disadvantages for all. Competition becomes more intense, prices come down, and new jobs are created.? 5. Primaries Sueddeutsche: "It is shocking to see how far Donald trump has come in the Republican Party. The most recent series of primaries has given Trump fresh impetus. The description ?extremist? is correct because a political actor who wants to CLASSI Fl CATI 0N: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 2 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188130 Date: 01f06i'2017 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016a06405 Doc No. 005188130 Date: U1!06f20?l? CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 3 torture America's political enemies and who describes Mexican immigrants as rapists no longer moves within the framework ofdemocracy. Trump not only personifies an aggressive ?I-am?different? style, with the missionary vanity and wealth that seems indispensable for the success ofan independent candidate in the U5. electoral system. In addition, he launched his assault on the White House at the same time that a relatively large minority and possibly the majority in the Republican Party is not asking for reason and rational discussion but for pathetic gung-ho nationalism. Trump is a peacock who wants to be a But America is more colorful and more decent than any number of Trumpists. This is why it is very likely that America will see through the deceit by November at the latest." Tagesspiegel: ?Usually people in other democracies are envious when they look at the U.S. primaries. But this time we cannot talk of envy. The situation after the second Super Tuesday provokes nothing more than a shaking of Donald Trump is dividing the Competitors who were considered moderate and able to make compromises had to give Does this mean that the primary system is worse than its reputation oris even failing? At least in 2015, it seems unable to do justice to its alleged advantages. During times of hopeful basic expectations, it But 2016 is a year of anger and is revealing the dark side of grassroots democracy. in 2008 and 2012, the {Republican} Party leadership supported moderate candidates and failed with its strategy. This is why the willingness of the rank and file is all the greater to try it with an outsider this time. This has opened the way for Trump and Cruz ?and possibly the third defeat in a row." Die Welt: "Never before were political scientists so wrong with their projections. We should not be sure that a President Trump can be ruled out. in its long history, U. democracy has always withstood authoritarian temptations. But now a considerable number of U.S. voters seem to be infected with the same authoritarian populist virus that is rampant in Europe. It is clear that Clinton is still the likely winner, but, like Trump, she generates negative feelings in the hearts of many Americans. She has many weaknesses that Trump will certainly exploit.? Signature: LOGSDON Drafted By: Friedhelm Cleared By: Standaert. Timothy Ivl Approved By: PA:McKennan, Jacqueline Released By: Friedhelm Info: WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC ROUTINE DIA WASHINGTON DC CIA WASHINGTON DC RounrvE; DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC RounNE BRUSSELS, AMEMBASSY ROME, AMEMBASSY RounNE; USNATO, USMISSION RoumvE; USOSCE, USMISSIDN RounrvE PARIS, UDITDUSAREUR HEIDELBERG GE HQ USAFE RAMSTEIN AB GE ROUTINE HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE FRG COLLECTIVE ROUTINE Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy UNCLASSIFIED CLASSI Fl ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 3 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc. No. 006188130 Date: 0110612017 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188131 Date: 01f06i20'17 UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 3 From: SMART Archive RELEASE IN FULL Sent: 12I1Di2ti15 8:36:35 AM To: SMART Core Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: Climate: Syria: Russian Involvement; Riyadh Talks; U.S.: Obama Address; Germany: Martel 'Person ofthe Year UNCLASSIFIED 15 BERLIN 2038 Dec 10, 2015 i 1013332 DEC 15 From: AMEMBASGY Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE Roumve E.O.: 13526 TAGS: OPRC, KMDR, GM, KGHG, SY, RS, US Subject: German Editorials and Opinion: Climate: Syria: Russian Involvement; Riyadh Talks; Dbarna Address; Germany: Merkel 'Person of the Year' Thursday December 10, 2615 CONTENTS 1. {Ciimate} COP-21 2. {Syria} Russian Involvement, Riyadh Talks 3. ILLS.) Dbama Address to the Nation 4. {Germany} Chancellor Merkel ?Person ofthe Year? Review AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior. 1. [Climate] cor-21 Weekiy Die Zeit: "If the meeting in Paris fails, the whole planet will be faced with natural disasters, wars, and the resulting waves of refugees. But not even the oil monarchs from the Persian Gulf want such a situation, since it would make their countries uninhabitabie in the summer. So, the momentum for a strong agreement exists. The more decisive the positions ofthe various governments are, the more money donors, banks, and companies will move out of fossil fuels and into the technologies ofthe future, such as better storage for wind and solar power. Paris can be different to all previous climate summits. Politicians could send a signal of reason and solidarity following this horribly warm November." 2. [Syria] Russian Involvement, Riyadh Talks Suedo?eutsche: "During the Vietnam War, President Nixon pursued a foreign policy strategy that he described as the ?mad man New President Putin has said that the cruise missiles the Russian army tired from a submarine in the Mediterranean at positions in Syria had passed the first litmus tests, adding that the missiies could also be equipped with nuclear warheads, but this "will hopefully never happen.? For the fight against the terrorists in Syria, these expensive cruise missiies are useless; nuclear bombs even more so. Putin?s subtle threat was not so much directed at the 'islamic state? but at the West: it is better to cooperate with Russia than to have Russia as an opponent. Since the annexation of Fl CATI ON: UNCLASSI Fl ED Page 1 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2016-06405 Doc No. 006188131 Date: 01(061'2017? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188131 Date: 01f08i'2017 Fl ON: Fl ED Page 2 of 3 Crimea, such allusions to the Russian nuclear arsenal are on the rise. Putin is playing the 'mad man.? It is uncertain how this highly dangerous game will turn out. One thing, however, is clear: the US. did not win the War." Frankfurter Allgemeine: "We now know after the identification ofthe third culprit that the Bataclan murderers and hostage-takers belonged to those who travelled in the name ofjihadism. They were all in Syria where they learned to fight at the side of terror groups, probably lSlL. This reminds us of the early phase of al Qaida and the role Afghanistan played in recruiting and training terrorists. The signi?cance of the Islamists? caliphate for transnational terrorism has become clear once again, even though the young men had become radicals in their home countries. It is necessary to fight the terror militia with all the means available and to deny them their territorial base. This is the only way to disrupt the magnetism that drags radical Muslims to the battlefield ofthe Middle East. Many of them return traumatized, and a number of them remain active jihadists. European security authorities are therefore trying to stop them from going to war in the ?rst place.? Handelsbfafi: "The differences among Asad?s opponents are This makes it difficult to reach an agreement on some essential points and to form a united front. This disruption strengthens Asad as well as terror organizations like ISIL and the al Nusra Front. The fact that the latter two are not part ofthe talks in Riyadh is right. The fact that the Kurds who dominate the north of Syria are not part ofthe talks is questionable. In Syria, so many spheres ofinfluence meet that it makes a compromise by the opposition forces difficult. However, they should seize this opportunity. International efforts to create peace in Syria have changed in recent years. First, the goal was to strengthen to opposition to Asad and build up alternative structures. ISIL was ignored until it rose in 2014, when fighting against the terror group moved to the center of the efforts. The attacks in Paris have now caused these two lines to be merged. There will not be an agreement on all points, but an agreement on all fundamental issues of Syria?s future is what the opposition groups owe the Syrians. it would also be the best way to fight the iihadists.? 3. (US) Dbama Address to the Nation Weekly Die Zeit: "America always has two totally different interpretations ofan increasing number of events. After the San Bernadino massacre, one side sees the problem in the unrestricted access to guns; the other in radicalized American Muslims. Barack Obama entered office with the plan to bridge such trenches. But, in the meantime, he hardly tries to do so. He himself is thus becoming an obstacle to stricter gun control. On the clay of the San Bernadino attack, Congress had to vote on two bills that were supposed to restrict gun ownership but Congress voted against Following each mass shooting, Dbama makes clear to the Americans how obsolete he considers U.S. gun But two-thirds of Americans said in a poll that they do not feel sufficiently protected by Dbama and, since the San Bernadino shootings, gun sales have jumped, as have the ratings for Donald Trump. In his TV address to the nation, Obama wanted to convince Americans that he is taking the threat ofterrorism seriously. It should have been a vigorous speech and it would have been a political task to address the country that was churned up and to merge the two pictures the country had after San Bernadino. But Clbama was unable to do Those who do not respond emotionally to Americans? fears offer the other side the pretext to reject any amendments to [gun] 4. {Germany} Chancellor Merkel 'Person of the Year? Berliner Zeiiung: ?Is this a reason to be happy? TIME magazine has picked Chancellor Merkel as its person of the year 2015. The magazine picked Merkel because she has defended her position against harsh opposition this year: in the Euro crisis, the Ukrainian war, the refugee crisis. She always showed humanity, generosity and tolerance. This is a remarkable view. This is obviously an appreciation of consistency, not so much of substance. We have seen a strong leader this year, but one can argue about the content of her decisions.? Regional Nordkurrer of Neubrandenburg: ?For years, Germans have got to know Angela Merkel as an ice princess, as unapproachable, as someone who sits out problems instead of solving them, as someone without emotions But this is over! This woman is totally different. And this year, she has had the chance to show it, be it in Ukraine, Greece or the financial crisis, and in the refugee crisis in particular. The misery of the asylum seekers touched her heart and she showed this in public. Why? Because the daughter of a minister in the former East attaches greatest signi?cance to human and freedom She knows what it means to leave everything behind - home, family, friends and start from CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188131 Date: 01i06f20?l? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. (306188131 Date: Fl ON: Page 3 of 3 UNCLASSI Fl ED scratch somewhere else. Yes! since the beginning Ofthis year, we have been witnessing an emphatic, emotional Chancellor, someone we have wished for for a long time.? Signature: EMERSON Drafted By: Friedheim Cleared By: Standaert, Timothy Approved By: PA:Mcl