BULGARIA REMAINS SUPPORTIVE ON KOSOVO

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