SERBIA'S FOURTEEN POINTS

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