PRESIDENT BASESCU'S COMMENTS BEFORE LEAVING

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUCHAREST 001198

SIPDIS

C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (CHANGED TEXT)

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/NCE - WILLIAM SILKWORTH
NSC FOR DAMON WILSON

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/26/2016
TAGS: PGOV PREL SOCI MOPS MARR IZ SR RO
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT BASESCU'S COMMENTS BEFORE LEAVING
BUCHAREST FOR WASHINGTON


Classified By: CDA Rodger Garner, Reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (SBU) Summary. President Traian Basescu reaffirmed on July
26 Romania's commitment to keep its troops in Iraq until
they are replaced by the Iraqi army. This declaration was
made as the president left the Bucharest airport for his
official U.S. visit. On Kosovo, however, he struck a
discordant tone following his reception of Serbian President
Tadic in Bucharest, advocating for Kosovo's autonomy within
Serbian borders. During the visit, Basescu will meet
President Bush, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, members of the
U.S. Congress, representatives of the World Bank and members
of the Romanian Diaspora. End Summary.


2. (SBU) Before departing Bucharest for his second official
visit to the U.S., President Traian Basescu stated to the
press on July 26 that Romania would respect its commitments
in Iraq. Basescu underscored that "a country that is
determined to fulfill its commitments taken in 2003 cannot
announce a date at which its troops will be withdrawn."
According to Basescu, such an announcement would only benefit
the terrorist groups in Iraq. He said Romania would make "a
mistake" if, "in a difficult moment," it would leave its
allies without its support. He insisted that Romania would
keep its troops in Iraq until the Iraqi national army would
be able to take over the responsibilities carried out by the
Romanians. Basescu concluded that a timetable for the
troops, withdrawal should only be determined by the
"realities on the ground."


3. (SBU) President Basescu also outlined in front of the
journalists at the airport what he viewed as the main issues
to be addressed in the bilateral meeting with President Bush.
Basescu said he would discuss with the U.S. President the
implementation of the Bilateral Defense Cooperation
Agreement, which will allow for the joint use by U.S. troops
of Romanian military facilities, and other ways to strengthen
the Romanian-U.S. strategic partnership.


4. (SBU) Basescu mentioned Black Sea and Western Balkans
issues as also on the bilateral agenda. Concerning Kosovo,
Basescu emphasized that Romania, "has a slightly different
position" than the solution adopted by the Contact Group
(made up of U.S., Great Britain, France, and Russia) and
favors a solution that would allow autonomy for Kosovo, but
keep the borders of the Serbian state intact. He stated
regarding Kosovo, "We plead for the acknowledgment of the
state borders and for finding solutions of autonomy inside
the borders of the Serbian state." Basescu hosted Serbian
President Boris Tadic in Bucharest the prior day.


5. (SBU) Basescu also announced that, during his meetings
with representative of the US Congress, he would request
Members of Congress expedite the legal procedures that would
lead to visa waivers for Romanians. He acknowledged, however,
that this process might take a long time. During his visit to
the U.S., the press reported that the Romanian president
would also meet with the World Bank to discuss plans for
financing major development projects in Romania; and with
representatives of the Romanian community living in the U.S.



6. (C) Comment: Basescu's departure received widespread
press play, highlighting the importance both he and his team
ascribe to the visit. His remarks on Kosovo indicate a
divergence from what he and his advisors had raised in recent
discussions with USG interlocutors, in which the Romanians
expressed concerns but pledged to support the U.S. position
on Kosovo's final status. No doubt Basescu will seek to
discuss his meeting with Tadic while in Washington, as well
as explain the intention of his departing comments. End
Comment.
GARNER