UKRAINE: MFA OFFICIAL WORRIES THAT KOSOVO

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KIEV 003532 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/14/2016 TAGS: PREL PBTS KDEM UNMIK PGOV UN YI MD UP SUBJECT: UKRAINE: MFA OFFICIAL WORRIES THAT KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE COULD COMPLICATE TRANSNISTRIA REF: A. STATE 151189 ¶B. STATE 136492 Classified By: Political Counselor Kent Logsdon for reasons 1.4(b,d) ¶1. (C) Polcouns updated MFA Acting Director General for Political Affairs Olexander Tsvietkov September 12 on the situation with respect to Kosovo, drawing on information from ref b. Knowing that the situation in Kosovo was to be discussed, Tsvietkov presented us with a non-paper, text in para 4 below, regarding Ukraine's view of the Kosovo situation. In response to our presentation regarding the U.S. position, Tsvietkov expressed uneasiness with the idea of concluding negotiations by the end of 2006, wondering if this would be too fast and destabilizing for the region. He also noted the participation of Ukrainian forces in Kosovo, suggesting that it would be useful to know what their potential role would be in case of agreement on a negotiated settlement. ¶2. (C) We also drew on the "if asked" points from ref B, in response to Tsvietkov's non-paper regarding the possible "precedent" of Kosovo independence for post-Soviet "frozen conflicts," particularly Transnistria, and his inquiry regarding possible USG reaction if "Belgrade does not agree to independence for Kosovo." Tsvietkov cited Kosovo developments, Transnistria's September 17 independence "referendum," and the Transnistria region's "presidential" elections, recently set for December 10, as events that were distracting Transnistrians and complicating Ukrainian efforts to restart the suspended five-plus-two negotiations. Stressing the importance of face-to-face discussions, Tsvietkov opined that Ukraine might resort to other formats, SIPDIS such as "three-plus-two" or "five-plus-one," i.e., presumably bringing together all participants except Transnistrian representatives, if Transnistria was unwilling to meet soon, since all other parties including Russia had indicated their readiness to restart the talks. ¶3. (C) Comment: This is not the first, and probably not last, time that MFA has fretted to us about the impact that Kosovo independence will have on other separatist regimes, especially Transnistria. Tsvietkov softened the position by acknowledging the differences inherent in Kosovo, but pointed out that figures such as Transnistrian leader Igor Smirnov would gloss over the differences and focus only on the outcome. He also bemoaned the fact that, starting from different assumptions, the Ukrainian and Russian positions on the issue have ended up coinciding. End comment. ¶4. (U) Following is text of September 2006 (MFA) Political Department non-paper, "Ukraine's Position Concerning Settlement of Kosovo Issue." We have made minor grammatical and spelling corrections. Begin text. As an active contributor to international stability, Ukraine is closely observing the situation in southeastern Europe and in Kosovo in particular. From the very outset of the Kosovo crisis, Ukraine made efforts with the aim to settle it by political means and was assisting the post-conflict stabilization in the autonomous region. Ukraine is actively participating in the peace-keeping efforts of the international community in Kosovo. Ukraine advocates the negotiating process between Belgrade and Pristina and the search for a mutually acceptable compromise settlement. Within this context, regarding the future status of Kosovo, Ukraine respects relevant decisions of the UN Security Council, including Resolution 1244. Ukraine warns against hasty steps which can destabilize the situation in the Western Balkans and set dangerous precedents. We support such decisions as to Kosovo status that would strengthen security and stability in the region and in Europe. Ukraine proceeds from the necessity of the final settlement of political, economic, and security situation in Kosovo creating conditions for the return of the non-Albanian population and guaranteeing the human rights and rights of all ethnic groups of the region. We regard that the negotiating process on Kosovo should be continued based on recognized norms and principles of international law, and a non-admission of a change in state borders with the use of force or unilaterally. KIEV 00003532 002 OF 002 Besides, we consider it necessary to hold a consecutive dialogue on a diplomatic level, in mass media, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions within European and world formats in order to work out a balanced and optimal decision that will have a substantial impact on the development of international law and practice of international relations concerning conflict settlement. End text. ¶5. (U) Visit Embassy Kiev's classified website: www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/kiev. Taylor