DRNOVSEK'S NINE POINT PLAN FOR KOSOVO

UNCLAS LJUBLJANA 000758 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL SI YI SUBJECT: DRNOVSEK'S NINE POINT PLAN FOR KOSOVO REF: A. LJBULJANA 737 ¶B. LJBULJANA 756 ¶1. (SBU) Per Reftels following is the text of the letter and nine-point plan Slovenian President Janez Drnovsek delivered to Contact Group Ambassadors October 20. It has previously been faxed to the Department, US Office Pristina and Embassy Belgrade. Begin Text: Dear Sir, You probably agree with me that the time has come to find political solutions for the most complex issues that have remained unsolved in the area of Southeast Europe. The issue of the future political settlement of Kosovo is undoubtedly one of them. On the basis of my extensive experience and familiarity with problems in this region, and especially in the area of the former Yugoslavia, I have prepared a proposal for a political solution of the Kosovo issue. This proposal is intended to contribute to the constructive solution of issues that have long burdened both the region and the international community at large. My proposed plan for a political solution of the Kosovo issue is outlined below: -- 1. The international community must ensure the safety of members of the Serbian minority in Kosovo. -- 2. The most sacred Serbian cultural, historical and religious monuments in Kosovo should be assigned extraterritorial status and must be protected by international forces. -- 3. Serbian municipalities in Kosovo should be given local self-government, on the basis of which they can decide themselves on local issues. -- 4. The Serbian minority in Kosovo should be guaranteed permanent representation in the Kosovo parliament. -- 5. Serbians in Kosovo should have a permanent representative in the Kosovo government, who looks after their interests. -- 6. In 18 months, the international community would transfer all its responsibilities and powers related to the governance of Kosovo to the Kosovo authorities. During this time, elections to the parliament, government and to the office of president would be held. -- 7. Kosovo would gain the status of an international legal entity, probably within the next five years, providing the international community establishes that fundamental democratic standards and peaceful cohabitation among members of the various national groups has been ensured. -- 8. The international forces would remain in Kosovo until that time, although it might be possible to reduce their size. -- 9. The European Union, in cooperation with the international financial institutions, should prepare a program for the economic development of Kosovo, as well as adequate financial instruments for its stimulation. On such a basis, Kosovo should be capable of economic survival and independence in five years. Slovenia is willing to host an initial informal meeting of the highest political representatives of Serbia and Kosovo, at which we would try to establish an atmosphere of mutual trust and constructive communication in order to reach agreement. End Text. ROBERTSON NNNN