CROATIAN PRIME MINISTER SANADER READY TO ENGAGE

C O N F I D E N T I A L ZAGREB 001391 SIPDIS SIPDIS EUR/SCE FOR SAINZ AND BALIAN E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/20/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV HR YI SUBJECT: CROATIAN PRIME MINISTER SANADER READY TO ENGAGE KOSOVO MINORITY GROUPS IN SUPPORT OF USG EFFORTS REF: ZAGREB 1322 Classified By: Ambassador Robert A. Bradtke for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) PM Ivo Sanader told the Ambassador November 20 that he was ready to engage with the Kosovar Serbs and other minority group members in Kosovo, as promised to Special Envoy Frank Wisner October 30 (reftel). Sanader said he would talk about the status of national minorities in Croatia and how their rights were protected. He asked to consult with us beforehand to ensure he was delivering the message that Ambassador Wisner desired. He said he would tell the minorities that they have to accept the status deal that Ahtisari is working out, but the international community will insure they have the highest standard of protection. He will also tell PM Agim Ceku that he will have to deliver the highest standards of protection. Croatian Serb MP Milorad Pupovac had agreed to join the PM during his meeting with minorities. ¶2. (C) Sanader said he had also discussed with President Mesic inviting Ceku to Zagreb, and that the two had agreed to invite him to an informal working visit or lunch. The visit would be low-key, but not secret, to avoid causing problems for Serbia during the election campaign. ¶3. (U) Sanader said that MFA State Secretary Hidajet Biscevic would be our main point of contact to consult on the implementation of these plans. ¶4. (U) Post will be in touch with Special Envoy Wisner's office to follow up. BRADTKE