KOSOVO: GREEKS WILL SUPPORT DECISION ON EU RULE

C O N F I D E N T I A L ATHENS 002320 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/06/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS GR SR YI SUBJECT: KOSOVO: GREEKS WILL SUPPORT DECISION ON EU RULE OF LAW MISSION Classified By: Political Counselor Robin Quinville for 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Greek MFA Deputy Director for South East Europe Tsoungas told us 12/7 that Greece will "follow EU consensus" SIPDIS and support a decision to establish a rule of law mission in Kosovo, even should there be a unilateral declaration of independence (UDI). Tsoungas noted, "we still have questions about whether UNSCR 1244 provides adequate legal cover," but "we have decided that we will not break consensus or create obstacles to a rule of law mission." Tsoungas added that Greece plans to provide substantial personnel and support to this mission. ¶2. (C) On the question of recognition, Tsoungas said that Greece does not believe the EU will be able to "achieve a common response" to any UDI. Not surprisingly, he affirmed Greece will "not be in the first group" to recognize an independent Kosovo in the event of a UDI. Tsoungas noted that this would likely be helpful to the West, as it would allow Greece to maintain posiive relations with Serbia and "help manage the Serbs" during a difficult period. SPECKHARD