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


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