Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BELGRADE1445
2007-10-23 18:34:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Belgrade
Cable title:
SERBIA'S FOURTEEN POINTS
how-toVZCZCXRO7226 RR RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDBU RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHBW #1445/01 2961834 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 231834Z OCT 07 FM AMEMBASSY BELGRADE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1655 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BELGRADE 001445
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM PBTS SR KV
SUBJECT: SERBIA'S FOURTEEN POINTS
Summary
-------
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BELGRADE 001445
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM PBTS SR KV
SUBJECT: SERBIA'S FOURTEEN POINTS
Summary
--------------
1. (U) Serbia's delegation to the October 22 Troika talks held in
Vienna submitted 14 principles on resolving Kosovo status. These
points were an amended version of the Troika's fourteen points and
did not differ substantively from Belgrade's previously announced
"broad autonomy" plan for Kosovo. Serbian officials told post that
the proposal reflected a "sincere compromise" and showed Serbia's
committment both to the negotiations process and to Kosovo's
European future. An unofficial translation of Serbia's 14 points is
provided in para 5. End Summary.
Differences
--------------
2. (U) Serbia's 14 point proposal differed significantly with the
Troika's original proposal on several key points. Belgrade's
proposal specifically called for UNSC Resolution 1244 to be the
basis for any settlement between the parties. In its points,
Belgrade also assured that Serbia would not overstep its
"competencies under a future agreement." Belgrade's text also
removed the Troika's reference to Euro-Atlantic integration (in
favor of European integration only) and made no reference to Kosovo
Serbs as a minority, reflecting Belgrade's position that Kosovo
Albanians are a minority within Serbia.
Similarities
--------------
3. (U) Most of Belgrade's proposal maintained much of the character
of the Troika's original 14 points. The Serbian text kept the
Troika's concilatory tone and respect for the negotiating process.
In contrast to its previous proposals, the Serbian text refrained
from defining Belgrade's presence in Kosovo including reserved
powers over Kosovo's military, foreign policy and customs. Instead,
the Belgrade proposal agreed to abide by the "competencies of a
future agreement" with Pristina.
MFA: Serbia Offering a "Sincere Compromise"
--------------
4. (SBU) Ministry of Foreign Affairs U.S. desk officer Srdjan
Miljkovic (protect) told poloff on October 23, that the GOS aimed to
show a "sincere compromise" through this document and a "committment
to not blocking Kosovo's path to Europe." Miljkovic added that
Belgrade was committed to the spirit of the negotiations but that
Pristina was "not compromising at all." He hoped that this text
could be the basis of a new UNSC resolution which would not
determine status but allow for a transition to EU control in Kosovo.
MFA Political Director Boris Stefanovic gave Charge a similar
message on October 22, saying Serbia's intention was to show
engagement in the negotiating process. "Please urge your side to
appreciate our attempt to engage," he said. In response to Charge's
comment that Serbia's points still lacked a bridge between autonomy
and independence, Stefanovic revived the idea of a "Common Sovereign
Roof." Asked about accepting two sovereign roofs, Stefanovic
replied, "Ok, if that means a Serbian and an EU roof."
Belgrade's 14 Points
--------------
5. (U) Unofficial translation of Serbian delegation's fourteen
points from Serbian press:
1. The subject of these talks is to determine the future status of
Kosovo based on the principles defined in UN Security Council
resolution 1244. Every change of the subject of negotiations
previously requires a change of the existing and binding UN Security
Council resolution 1244.
2. All three sides [Serbia, the temporary Kosovo
institutions and international mediators] are obliged to refrain
from any kind of unilateral steps.
3. Kosovo will be fully integrated into regional structures,
especially those which include economic cooperation.
4. There will be no return to the situation prior to 1999 and the
future order in Kosovo should be resolved on the basis of UN
Security Council resolution 1244.
5. Serbia will not govern Kosovo within the competencies which will
fall to the province under a future agreement.
6. Serbian institutions will not be present in the province in
affairs which are not within Belgrade's competencies under the
future agreement.
7. In their legislature and the policies conducted in accord with
it, Serbia and Kosovo will progressively implement the principles,
norms and standards in accordance with the process of Stabilization
BELGRADE 00001445 002 OF 002
and Association with the European Union. With full participation in
that process, they will advance towards accession and finally
membership in the EU.
8. Starting from an agreed solution between Belgrade and
representatives of the temporary institutions of self-government
which will be confirmed by the UN Security Council, Kosovo will
implement comprehensive measures to promote the well being of the
Serbs in Kosovo and that of other non-Albanian communities,
especially through the decentralization of the local authorities and
constitutional guarantees.
9. Taking into consideration their exclusive competencies, Belgrade
and Pristina will cooperate on issues of common interest including:
the return of displaced persons, the fate of the missing, physical
protection of cultural heritage, economic issues...; power
generation, trade, infrastructure, traffic and communications; the
banking sector and fiscal policy; harmonization with EU standards;
protection of the environment; the fight against organized crime.
10. In these and other possible fields of cooperation
Belgrade and Kosovo will form joint bodies to conduct affairs of
common interest.
11. Except to the extent of its international obligations as a
subject of international law, Belgrade will not interfere in
Pristina's relations with international financial institutions.
12. Kosovo will have full jurisdiction over its finances
(taxation, public income etc).
13. The process of stabilization and association (Tracking
Mechanism) for Kosovo will continue in cooperation with Belgrade.
14. The international community will, after status is
defined, continue its civilian and military presence in Kosovo under
a UN mandate, that is under a decision by the UN Security Council.
End unofficial translation.
Comment
--------------
5. (SBU) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a ministry affiliated
with the President's Democratic Party, is intent on showing Serbia's
full engagement in the Troika talks. In particular, Belgrade wanted
to illustrate its support for the negotiating process -- something
Serbian leaders have said the U.S. position has lacked. Serbian
leaders have been frustrated that its proposals have been dismissed
since the days of the Ahtisaari talks, and this proposal was an
offering they hoped would receive a more serious look. However, the
document is without any real substantive shifts on Belgrade's part
and a critical gap between Pristina and Belgrade over Kosovo status
remains. End Comment.
BRUSH
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM PBTS SR KV
SUBJECT: SERBIA'S FOURTEEN POINTS
Summary
--------------
1. (U) Serbia's delegation to the October 22 Troika talks held in
Vienna submitted 14 principles on resolving Kosovo status. These
points were an amended version of the Troika's fourteen points and
did not differ substantively from Belgrade's previously announced
"broad autonomy" plan for Kosovo. Serbian officials told post that
the proposal reflected a "sincere compromise" and showed Serbia's
committment both to the negotiations process and to Kosovo's
European future. An unofficial translation of Serbia's 14 points is
provided in para 5. End Summary.
Differences
--------------
2. (U) Serbia's 14 point proposal differed significantly with the
Troika's original proposal on several key points. Belgrade's
proposal specifically called for UNSC Resolution 1244 to be the
basis for any settlement between the parties. In its points,
Belgrade also assured that Serbia would not overstep its
"competencies under a future agreement." Belgrade's text also
removed the Troika's reference to Euro-Atlantic integration (in
favor of European integration only) and made no reference to Kosovo
Serbs as a minority, reflecting Belgrade's position that Kosovo
Albanians are a minority within Serbia.
Similarities
--------------
3. (U) Most of Belgrade's proposal maintained much of the character
of the Troika's original 14 points. The Serbian text kept the
Troika's concilatory tone and respect for the negotiating process.
In contrast to its previous proposals, the Serbian text refrained
from defining Belgrade's presence in Kosovo including reserved
powers over Kosovo's military, foreign policy and customs. Instead,
the Belgrade proposal agreed to abide by the "competencies of a
future agreement" with Pristina.
MFA: Serbia Offering a "Sincere Compromise"
--------------
4. (SBU) Ministry of Foreign Affairs U.S. desk officer Srdjan
Miljkovic (protect) told poloff on October 23, that the GOS aimed to
show a "sincere compromise" through this document and a "committment
to not blocking Kosovo's path to Europe." Miljkovic added that
Belgrade was committed to the spirit of the negotiations but that
Pristina was "not compromising at all." He hoped that this text
could be the basis of a new UNSC resolution which would not
determine status but allow for a transition to EU control in Kosovo.
MFA Political Director Boris Stefanovic gave Charge a similar
message on October 22, saying Serbia's intention was to show
engagement in the negotiating process. "Please urge your side to
appreciate our attempt to engage," he said. In response to Charge's
comment that Serbia's points still lacked a bridge between autonomy
and independence, Stefanovic revived the idea of a "Common Sovereign
Roof." Asked about accepting two sovereign roofs, Stefanovic
replied, "Ok, if that means a Serbian and an EU roof."
Belgrade's 14 Points
--------------
5. (U) Unofficial translation of Serbian delegation's fourteen
points from Serbian press:
1. The subject of these talks is to determine the future status of
Kosovo based on the principles defined in UN Security Council
resolution 1244. Every change of the subject of negotiations
previously requires a change of the existing and binding UN Security
Council resolution 1244.
2. All three sides [Serbia, the temporary Kosovo
institutions and international mediators] are obliged to refrain
from any kind of unilateral steps.
3. Kosovo will be fully integrated into regional structures,
especially those which include economic cooperation.
4. There will be no return to the situation prior to 1999 and the
future order in Kosovo should be resolved on the basis of UN
Security Council resolution 1244.
5. Serbia will not govern Kosovo within the competencies which will
fall to the province under a future agreement.
6. Serbian institutions will not be present in the province in
affairs which are not within Belgrade's competencies under the
future agreement.
7. In their legislature and the policies conducted in accord with
it, Serbia and Kosovo will progressively implement the principles,
norms and standards in accordance with the process of Stabilization
BELGRADE 00001445 002 OF 002
and Association with the European Union. With full participation in
that process, they will advance towards accession and finally
membership in the EU.
8. Starting from an agreed solution between Belgrade and
representatives of the temporary institutions of self-government
which will be confirmed by the UN Security Council, Kosovo will
implement comprehensive measures to promote the well being of the
Serbs in Kosovo and that of other non-Albanian communities,
especially through the decentralization of the local authorities and
constitutional guarantees.
9. Taking into consideration their exclusive competencies, Belgrade
and Pristina will cooperate on issues of common interest including:
the return of displaced persons, the fate of the missing, physical
protection of cultural heritage, economic issues...; power
generation, trade, infrastructure, traffic and communications; the
banking sector and fiscal policy; harmonization with EU standards;
protection of the environment; the fight against organized crime.
10. In these and other possible fields of cooperation
Belgrade and Kosovo will form joint bodies to conduct affairs of
common interest.
11. Except to the extent of its international obligations as a
subject of international law, Belgrade will not interfere in
Pristina's relations with international financial institutions.
12. Kosovo will have full jurisdiction over its finances
(taxation, public income etc).
13. The process of stabilization and association (Tracking
Mechanism) for Kosovo will continue in cooperation with Belgrade.
14. The international community will, after status is
defined, continue its civilian and military presence in Kosovo under
a UN mandate, that is under a decision by the UN Security Council.
End unofficial translation.
Comment
--------------
5. (SBU) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a ministry affiliated
with the President's Democratic Party, is intent on showing Serbia's
full engagement in the Troika talks. In particular, Belgrade wanted
to illustrate its support for the negotiating process -- something
Serbian leaders have said the U.S. position has lacked. Serbian
leaders have been frustrated that its proposals have been dismissed
since the days of the Ahtisaari talks, and this proposal was an
offering they hoped would receive a more serious look. However, the
document is without any real substantive shifts on Belgrade's part
and a critical gap between Pristina and Belgrade over Kosovo status
remains. End Comment.
BRUSH