KOSOVO NEXT STEPS: GREEK RESPONSE

C O N F I D E N T I A L ATHENS 001609 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/09/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV GR SUBJECT: KOSOVO NEXT STEPS: GREEK RESPONSE REF: STATE 109526 Classified By: CHARGE TOM COUNTRYMAN. REASON: 1.4 (B) AND (D). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY AND COMMENT: Charge delivered reftel update on Kosovo to PM Karamanlis's diplomatic advisor Bitsios on August 9, stressing the need for full engagement by the parties in the weeks ahead. But preparation by the international community to act in December -- even if no agreement had been reached by the parties -- was essential. Bitsios expressed concern that U.S. support for independence removed incentives for Kosovar Albanians to negotiate. He also asked whether the U.S. would oppose a proposal for partition. Comment: The GOG, in full vacation mode, believes that its arguments for "more time" have been heard. Our challenge, between now and December, is to get them to realize that inaction by the international community would lead to exactly what the GOG wants to avoid most: instability in the Balkans, with direct consequences for Greece. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) On August 9, Charge delivered reftel Kosovo points to PM Karamanlis's diplomatic advisor Bitsios, underscoring the importance of both sides participating fully and actively in the additional period of engagement ahead. However, he noted, there was a high probability that, at the end of December, the international community would find itself in the same situation it is now. All of us need to consider carefully what steps our governments will take at that time if there is no agreement between the parties. Inaction is not a solution. Charge emphasized that the U.S. commitment to KFOR remains strong; we looked to Greece, as a substantial contributor to KFOR, to maintain its strong commitment as well. We also looked for appropriate action by the EU to deploy the rule of law mission to Kosovo. ¶3. (C) Bitsios questioned whether the U.S.' stated support for independence removed any incentive on the part of the Kosovar Albanians to negotiate in good faith. Charge pointed out that the Kosovar Albanians already had independence as their goal -- irrespective of the U.S. position. We were encouraging both sides to engage seriously and quickly on the issues. Bitsios then asked whether the U.S. had firmly ruled out partition. Charge responded that partition was not part of the current mandate, nor did we consider it a desirable outcome. But ultimately, it was up to Belgrade and Pristina to reach agreement on specifics in the period of engagement ahead. COUNTRYMAN