SLOVAKIA AGREES ON KOSOVO STATUS, BUT CONCERNED

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRATISLAVA 000310 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/19/2021 TAGS: PREL PGOV YI EU UNSC LO SUBJECT: SLOVAKIA AGREES ON KOSOVO STATUS, BUT CONCERNED WITH TIMELINE OF PROCESS REF: STATE 59894 Classified By: CDA, a.i., Lawrence R. Silverman for Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D). ¶1. (C) CDA delivered reftel briefing on U.S. Kosovo policy to MFA Acting Political Director Stefan Rozkopal and UNSC Coordinator Marcel Pesko on April 18. Pesko said Slovakia is "99 percent" in accordance with U.S. views, but differs slightly in regard to the desired speed of the Ahtisaari process. Slovakia believes the importance of ongoing discussion between Pristina and Belgrade cannot be overstated, as the two parties "need to sit together work out" the issues of UN membership, borders, and possible independence. All opportunity should be given to maximize prospects for progress in this dialogue. ¶2. (C) Rozkopal noted that Serbian officials were in Bratislava recently to discuss UNSC issues, and during that visit made it clear that they were maintaining a "tough approach" to Kosovo status. That said, Rozkopal said that the Serbian delegation also repeated their message that whatever the outcome of the status talks, Serbia will remain "stable" and will not "make a mess" in the region or pursue self-isolation. Pesko added that the Serbs significantly said they could not accept independence for Kosovo "now," an addition he took as signs of eventual flexibility. Pesko added that the Slovak government shared our view that independence was probably the most realistic status outcome. ¶3. (C) Rozkopal said that Ahtisaari would visit Bratislava April 21. The GOS would continue to strongly support his mission. The GOS agreed completely with the substance of our messages to Belgrade and Pristina, which they would continue to stress with both parties. All our points about multiethnicity notwithstanding, the Slovaks are very pessimistic that any ethnic Serbs would remain in an independent Kosovo. SILVERMAN