SERBIA: RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR UNDERCUTS TROIKA ROLE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BELGRADE 001498 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/SCE - PLEASE PASS TO JOSH BLACK/AMBASSADOR WISNER E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM PBTS KPAO SR MW KV SUBJECT: SERBIA: RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR UNDERCUTS TROIKA ROLE Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) The Russian ambassador to Serbia told a Belgrade daily November 2 that the Troika's 14 Points did not "100% reflect the stand of Russia," and reiterated that December 10 was not a deadline for a decision on Kosovo status. The local UN office (protect) confirmed that the Russian ambassador's comments tracked with what they had heard from him privately. The ambassador's remarks put down a marker that the Troika facilitate agreement rather than suggesting new approaches. The article also reinforced the message that Russia has Serbia's back. Informal translation of article follows in para 6. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) In a November 2 interview with Belgrade daily Vecernje Novosti Russian Ambassador Alexander Alexeyev said that Moscow was not fully behind the Troika's 14 points. Alexeyev said the Troika was charged to mediate between Belgrade and Pristina and deliver a report to the UN Secretary General, not be "a collective Ahtisaari" and to propose Kosovo status plans. "Therefore, if something originates from the Troika, this does not mean it 100% reflects the stand of Russia....This was the case with the so-called 14-point document," Alexeyev said. ¶3. (SBU) Alexeyev repeated that Moscow's support for a Kosovo status plan would reflect Belgrade's and that there should be no deadline for status talks. "Any solution and any document made by the Troika should be acceptable to Belgrade," the Russian Ambassador said. He said December 10 was "not a magical date" and that a solution could be found later. Responding to the interviewer's question, Alexeyev said that Moscow would not change its position on Kosovo in trade for a deal with the United States on Iran or missile defense. ¶4. (SBU) A contact at the UN Office in Belgrade (protect) told poloff November 2 that the Russian Ambassador had made similar comments in private meetings. According to the UN Office, Alexeyev downplayed the importance of the Troika report on December 10 and that Moscow's position against Kosovo independence outweighed the Troika process. ¶5. (SBU) DCM called Russian DCM Aleksey Sokolov and was told, improbably, that he had "not known about or had to time to read" the interview. DCM read to Sokolov Alexeyev's comment that the Troika did not represent the position of its members' capitals and expressed concern about the implied lack of solidarity of the Russians in the Troika process. She emphasized that the USG was 100% behind the Troika and asked Sokolov to convey our concerns to his ambassador. He said he would do so. ¶6. (U) Begin text of translated Vecernje Novosti article: "Don't Doubt Russia" The Troika of the Contact group does not represent collective Ahtisaari. It only needs to prepare and send a report to the Secretary General of the UN, not to suggest future status of Kosovo, SIPDIS Alexander Alexeyev told Vercenje Novosti. Q - How does the Troika make Decisions? Do they bring decisions by consensus? A - In principle, the Troika works on consensus. Of course, you need to have in mind one delicate thing: the Troika is not some generator of initiatives and suggestions but a mechanism whose goal is to lift the burden or make it easier for both side to come to an agreement. That is why things that are being suggested by the Troika are not always in accordance with the opinion of the Troika member capitals. Therefore, if something comes out of the Troika, it does not mean it is 100% the opinion of Russia. This was the case with the so-called 14-point document. Q - How, in general, did they come to the famous 14 points if Russia did not agree or approve? A - It was an attempt to find some points they could mutually accept. How successful that was is up to you, to be judged by you. We always say every solution, as well as every document made by the Troika, should be acceptable to Belgrade. Q - Do you believe that some mutual agreement points were actually found in the 14-point agreement? A - It is not up to me to make any judgment; it is up to our Serbian friends to do so. I know that they made several serious corrections to the documents. That's it. BELGRADE 00001498 002 OF 002 Q - Does Moscow still believe in reaching a compromise in the Kosovo issue? A - If Russia did not believe in a possible compromise, we would not put all our efforts into it so far. Russia is ready to repeat everything we have said so far about Kosovo, and that is we need to find a compromise solution, exclusively through negotiations in accordance with international law and a solution that would be acceptable for both sides. For us, December 10 is not a magic date. We are urging that a solution is found before that date but if not it could be found at a later date. Q - Can citizens of Serbia rely upon Russia not to abandon its current position on Kosovo for a favorable deal on the missile shield and Iranian nuclear program? A - Just think about how many stories have been spread about Russia changing its attitude in the beginning. At first, it was said we would do that without any reason. Now they say because of an exchange or trade. Both of these are completely untrue. Our position is principled and our position cannot be subject to a trade. I am ready to confirm that Serbs can be absolutely sure that we will not accept any solution that is not in accordance with our position. There is not a shadow of doubt about this! End text of translated article. Comment -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Alexeyev's comments imply that the GOR will insist the Troika go no further than report a Kosovo-Belgrade agreement or the lack of one. His assurance that the Troika will not present or that Russia will not support any Kosovo future that Belgrade would not endorse will resonate well here. He also sends a strong message to the public that Russia will protect Serbia's interests in the remaining weeks of negotiation and beyond. End Comment. MUNTER