Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06KIEV3532
2006-09-14 14:39:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kyiv
Cable title:
UKRAINE: MFA OFFICIAL WORRIES THAT KOSOVO
how-tonull VZCZCXRO3486 PP RUEHDBU DE RUEHKV #3532/01 2571439 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 141439Z SEP 06 FM AMEMBASSY KIEV TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1431 INFO RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE
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)
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
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