SLOVENIA AGREES ON KOSOVO, WORRIES ABOUT RUSSIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L LJUBLJANA 000025

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/NCE, EUR/SCE, EUR/RPM

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/18/2017
TAGS: PREL UNMIK EUN YI SI
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA AGREES ON KOSOVO, WORRIES ABOUT RUSSIA

REF: SECSTATE 5652

Classified By: COM Thomas B. Robertson


1. (C) Summary. Just back from a weekend visit to Belgrade
with FM Rupel, MFA Director of Western Balkan Affairs, Leon
Marc, expressed the Government of Slovenia's unreserved
agreement that there should be no daylight between the US and
EU positions on the future status of Kosovo. Raising the
persistent concern of Russia's reaction to Ahtisaari's
report, Marc suggested success would be better assured if
Russia were engaged more closely and bilaterally by the US on
its particular concerns about the expected outcome. In a
meeting with DCM, former Slovene Ambassador to the UN, Roman
Kirn, also suggested the importance of engaging China on
Kosovo. Marc said FM Rupel found PM Kostunica to be "softer"
and more forthcoming than expected in his meeting with him,
and given that Kostunica has "never been keen on Slovenia"
thought the meetings went well and were productive. Slovenia
also advocates reopening EU stability and association talks
with Serbia, keeping in mind the need for constructive
engagement on Kosovo and real cooperation with the ICTY. End
Summary.

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Attention to Russia and China Key
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2. (C) Polecon Chief met with Leon Marc to discuss reftel
points. Separately, DCM delivered message to new Head of the
Americas Department and former Slovene Ambassador to the UN
Roman Kirn, and Ambassador discussed with FM Rupel at a
private dinner (septel). The GOS is in complete agreement on
the need for all members of the EU and the US to have a
unified approach and to offer full support to UN Special
Representative Ahtisaari when he reveals his recommendations
on the future status of Kosovo. Marc said that, while
Slovenia would continue to pay "lip service" to Serbia, and
that it would not give "blind" support to Ahtisaari, it was
committed to backing his plan.


3. (C) When asked about differences of opinion within the
EU about moving ahead without delay on the Ahtisaari, both
Marc and Kirn expressed more concern about Russia and China.
Kirn said he was much less concerned about EU unity than
Russian opposition. Both advised more active engagement with
Russia on its concerns. Kirn (recently returned from the UN)
also said that China's acquiescence on Security Council
decisions on issues far from its regional concerns can no
longer be taken for granted. He recommended that China be
included in discussion of this issue.

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Rupel Coaxes Serb Leaders
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4. (C) Marc said that Rupel's meetings with FM Draskovic
and PM Kostunica went well. In both, he stressed the
importance of approaching the Kosovo question realistically
and maintaining focus on long term goals of NATO and EU
membership. Rupel also urged the Government of Serbia to
cooperate with the ICTY as this would be key to reopening SAA
with Europe.
ROBERTSON