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