KOSOVO NEXT STEPS

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 000738 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/14/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV ID SUBJECT: KOSOVO NEXT STEPS REF: A. STATE 31810 ¶B. JAKARTA 673 ¶C. STATE 24360 Classified By: PolCouns Marc Desjardins for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) PolCouns met March 14 with Department of Foreign Affairs Deputy Director for Disarmament and International Security Mohammad Hery Saripudin to follow-up the ref B demarche made by the Charge and deliver the points contained in ref. A. Saripudin attempted to explain away some of the press comments made by the Director General for Europe and the Americas Eddy Haryadhi, arguing that the Indonesian position was not totally wedded to the principle of national sovereignty. PolCouns urged that the Indonesian position acknowledge the history of the disintegration of Yugoslavia and be based on attempting to achieve a realistic outcome that would maintain peace in the region. When asked what the Indonesian position might be if there continues to be disagreement between Belgrade and Pristina on the future of Kosovo, Saripudin dodged by saying the question was hypothetical. He asserted that the there were internal disagreements within Belgrade on how to proceed and expressed hope that things may become more positive next month. ¶2. (C) Saripudin acknowledged the credibility of Special Envoy Ahtisaari, who helped negotiate peace in Indonesia's Aceh province, and said that the envoy was scheduled to visit South Africa. He added that the Indonesian Mission in New York has "hinted" that Ahtisaari may visit Indonesia as well but no such trip has been scheduled as yet. ¶3. (C) Comment: We believe that the Indonesian position has not waivered from our report in ref. B that Jakarta will not support Kosovan independence unless there is consensus in the Security Council. We believe that a visit by Ahtisaari, should it occur, could be helpful in persuading Jakarta to support his proposals. ¶4. (U) Minimized considered HEFFERN