C O N F I D E N T I A L SOFIA 000557

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/18/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV SR KPKO BU
SUBJECT: BULGARIA REMAINS SUPPORTIVE ON KOSOVO

REF: STATE 59894

Classified By: DCM Jeffrey D. Levine for reasons 1.4 (b) & (d)


1. (C) We delivered reftel points to Hristo Georgiev,
director of the MFA's Europe I (Balkans) department.
Georgiev agreed to convey the recommended messages to both
Belgrade and Pristina on behalf of Bulgaria, and said the
GOB's position on Kosovo remains very close to that of the
United States. On the subject of independence, Georgiev
inquired whether Washington's idea of independence for Kosovo
included such things as a U.N. seat, a flag on the border,
and an independent army. We told him we would seek
additional information to his questions.


2. (C) Georgiev said it was important to try to preserve some
dignity for Serbia and hoped a way could be found to
"fast-track" Serbia's European integration. One key area
where the U.S. could assist is in the economic development of
Serbia, particularly with infrastructure projects, suggested
Georgiev. As an example, he hoped American firms could
participate in plans to rebuild the road from Nis to Sofia.
Georgiev noted that it was important that the human rights of
all Kosovars be guaranteed.


3. (C) Georgiev acknowledged that Bulgaria is continuing to
encourage reconciliation between the two sides. The GOB made
a proposal to the Swiss government to organize a seminar on
decentralization for mayors in Kosovo. The two-part seminar
would take place in Bulgaria and Switzerland. The GOB also
continues to host training for Kosovar Albanian diplomats and
judges. President Purvanov plans to visit Serbia next week
and Kosovo is likely to be one of the issues discussed.
Georgiev said Bulgaria has offered and is eager to host a
future meeting of the Contact Group and believes it is
important to have these meetings in the region rather than in
Western Europe.
Beyrle