KOSOVO SERB DELEGATION ADVOCATES COOPERATION WITH

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BELGRADE 001747 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAO SR YI SUBJECT: KOSOVO SERB DELEGATION ADVOCATES COOPERATION WITH ALBANIANS ¶1. (U) Summary: In a 20 October meeting with the Ambassador, a delegation of four Kosovo Serbs led by the Belgrade-based NGO 'Fractal' outlined how they see the basic needs for Serbs living in the enclaves: (1) support for returns, (2) economic development, (3) improved media, and (4) infrastructure. Fractal's aim was to bolster the group's leadership capacity and effectiveness through a series of high-level meetings in Pristina, Belgrade and Brussels. Having received an "excellent reception" at USOP (and very aware of the clearly delineated responsibilities of USOP and Embassy Belgrade),the delegation requested a meeting with the Ambassador to discuss the view from Belgrade and Kosovo in light of the US-Serbia relationship. It should be noted that the delegation claims only to assess the needs for Serbs living in enclaves, not in mixed communities or north of the Ibar. Names of participants follow at the end of the cable. End Summary. ¶2. (U) The Ambassador told the delegation that in his view the policy of non-engagement by Kosovo Serbs in institutions "has always been a mistake," and that by engaging with Pristina, Kosovo Serbs leave themselves more open for support from the international community. He then inquired as to the most important areas in which the international community can help Kosovo Serbs. ¶3. (U) The delegation outlined the following four areas and support: - Support for returns: The delegation summarized elements for sustainable returns to the enclaves: adequate security for returnees, trust in local institutions such as police, courts, and Albanian leadership in Pristina, and prospects of economic opportunities. - Economic development: The highest impact for growth, according to the delegation, would be in small and medium sized enterprises. - Improved media: The delegation complained about the Serbian media in Kosovo reporting only on status, UNOSEK and other purely political issues. They said all citizens of Kosovo, but particularly Serbs, would benefit from media which focused more on "everyday life on the ground" in Kosovo. - Infrastructure: The main areas of immediate need in infrastructure development are public lighting (which improves security, they noted),water supply, sewage and local roads. The delegation emphasized that economic and infrastructure improvements help all communities living in Kosovo, not just Serbs. ¶4. (U) The delegation also stressed the importance of political engagement with Albanians noting there is "no hope for Serbs in Kosovo without Albanian support." Of the issues discussed in UNOSEK talks, the delegation said decentralization was of primary importance. ¶5. (U) Comment: Fractal and the delegation represent a minority whose voice is seldom heard in Belgrade, which makes this visit significant. In addition to meeting with the Ambassador, the delegation also took their message to President Tadic. From our perspective, importing these voices of coexistence show our Serbian and international interlocutors that there are those within the Kosovo Serb community who see a future in Kosovo with Albanians. As one participant said, "tell me and I will forget, show me and I will remember, include me and I will understand." We will continue to work to support them and others with hopeful messages while they are drowned out by uncompromising, hardline factors here. End Comment. ¶5. (U) Delegation members: Mr. Bojan Stojanovic, VP, Autonomous Liberal Party, Dobrotin Ms. Ljiljana Milic, President, NGO 'Bozur,' Babin Most Ms. Svetlana Janjicevic, Director, Kasa bank, Strpce Mr. Igor Savic, Editor, Borzani radio station, Strpce Mr. Mirko Tabakovic, Lebane village Mr. Filip Pavlovic, Fractal (President) Mr. Srdjan Popovic, Fractal Mr. Maurits van Heek, NGO IKV, The Hague Mrs. Eva Oosterwegel, NGO IKV, The Hague BELGRADE 00001747 002 OF 002 POLT