KOSOVO: SERBIA WEEKLY UPDATE (2/26 - 3/2)

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BELGRADE 000291 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM PBTS KPAO SR MW YI SUBJECT: KOSOVO: SERBIA WEEKLY UPDATE (2/26 - 3/2) REF: BELGRADE 275 ¶1. (U) This cable summarizes notable events relating to Serbia and Kosovo. ¶2. (U) Summary: For the week of February 26, the second week of UNOSEK talks, the SNV rally and Russian DFM Titov's visit were the most notable events related to Kosovo in Serbia. End Summary. UNOSEK: the view from Belgrade -------------- ¶3. (U) Belgrade media focused on the Serbian negotiators' proposals during the UNOSEK talks on security, cultural protection, and the international civilian office. Media also noted the GOS' renewed demand (and Pristina's opposition) to create a Serb entity, protect Belgrade's direct assistance to Serb municipalities, and make police appointments subject to approval by the majority of Serb assembly members. On cultural heritage, media noted a deal was "narrowly missed." On the ICO and security force, Belgrade media noted that in addition to the GOS' general demand for "preserving the territorial integrity of Serbia," demilitarization in Kosovo was the major difference between the two sides. Belgrade: Politicians and Protests -------------- ¶4. (SBU) As reported in reftel, the Serbian National Council (SNV) staged a peaceful demonstration of approximately 10,000 - 20,000 people in front of the U.S. Embassy on February 27 to protest against the Ahtisaari proposal for Kosovo status and alleged USG support for "dividing up" Serbia. The size, expense, and orchestration of the event -- combined with the public support for it from the Prime Minister's DSS and the Socialists and Radicals -- suggest strongly that the Serbian Government helped finance and organize the event. The Charge' met with an SNV delegation prior to the event. Demonstrators carried party and Serbian flags and banners with photos of missing Kosovo Serbs, photos of Russian and Chinese Presidents labeled veto, and slogans such as "USA, World Terrorist" and "Russian brothers, Help Us." In his remarks to the protesters, Ivanovic attacked LDP support for Kosovo independence, saying the party is sponsored by Albanian tycoons and terrorists. ¶5. (U) LDP's Cedomir Jovanovic said the protest sent a message to the world that Serbia refuses to accept reality on Kosovo. Jovanovic said, "Kostunica finalizes the Kosovo agony the same way Milosevic started it ? with a staged 
unrest of the people who always pays the dearest price for it." ¶6. (U) Tadic reiterated that Serbia would not accept Kosovo independence, and that negotiations should produce mutually acceptable compromise. Kostunica again warned Ahtisaari that he has exceeded his mandate by redrawing internationally recognized border and not enabling parties to reach agreement through direct negotiations within framework of international law. ¶7. (U) Outgoing FM Draskovic announced his Kosovo plan which calls for "One Serbia, Two Systems" and claims to "enable Serbia to preserve its dignity, integrity and its borders...and speedily integrate into the European structures." For Kosovo Albanians, the plan offers "a separate track for Kosovo towards Europe, and its ability to enter into special international relations and commitments." Belgrade Diplomatic Activity -------------- ¶8. (U) OSCE Chairman visits Belgrade: Spanish FM and OSCE Chairman Miguel Moratinos urged Belgrade authorities to be more constructive in Vienna talks, saying that "to preserve the multiethnic character of Kosovo," Belgrade, Pristina, and Kosovo Serbs need to work together a compromise. ¶9. (U) Russian Deputy FM: No UNSCR without agreement: Belgrade media reported that visiting Russian Deputy FM Titov met with Tadic, Kostunica and Draskovic on March 1. According to the press, Titov said that Russia favors a compromise solution for Kosovo status within the framework of UNSCR 1244 and that the time is not right for Ahtisaari BELGRADE 00000291 002 OF 002 to bring his proposal to the UNSC. Russia would vote against a proposal without agreement. In a readout of the Titiv visit to CG Ambassadors, Russian Ambassador Alekseev reported, however, that there had been no mention of veto in discussions with the Serbs. Alekseev noted that Titov reiterated the standing Russian position of no artificial deadlines and the importance of an agreement acceptable to both sides. The Russian side had expressed surprise and did not agree with Belgrade's introduction in Vienna of a position to introduce Serbian security officials for Kosovo patrimonial sites. Tadic had reiterated that Serbia would not accept Kosovo independence, and that negotiations should produce mutually acceptable compromise. Kostunica was most hard-line, according to Alekseev, and Draskovic elaborated on his "One Serbia, Two Systems" construct. ¶10. (U) Belgrade media also covered EU President Solana's statement that believes Russia will not veto a UNSCR on Kosovo status. POLT