DONOR SUPPORT FOR KOSOVO, ESPECIALLY RETURNS

UNCLAS OTTAWA 001021

SIPDIS

FOR FOR WHA/CA
BERN PASS ZURICH

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM EAID PREF YI CA CIDA AID
SUBJECT: DONOR SUPPORT FOR KOSOVO, ESPECIALLY RETURNS

REF: SECSTATE 83100


1. Canada's International Development Agency (CIDA) confirmed
April 9 that Canada has committed C$5.4 million to Kosovo for
calendar year 2003. (The Canadian dollar is worth about 68
US cents.) They do not, at this point, specifically support
the Office of Returns and Communities, but will provide funds
on an ad hoc basis when the security situation improves.
Canada does, however, provide about C$1.1 million to a local
initiative program managed from Pristina that can be used for
ORC.


2. CIDA is consulting with UNMIK, but says nothing is
happening on the ground. Once it is feasible, Canada does
intend to provide additional funds to support ORC. Post
believes CIDA would welcome any evidence Washington can
provide that the time is ripe for effective use of
contributions to ORC.
KELLY