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