MACEDONIA: BUILDING TIES WITH KOSOVO

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 SKOPJE 000404 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/SCE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MK SUBJECT: MACEDONIA: BUILDING TIES WITH KOSOVO SUMMARY ¶1. (SBU) During his May 17 visit to Pristina, PM Gruevski reiterated Macedonia's support for the Ahtisaari plan and for a UNSCR that would allow for implementation of that plan. Gruevski had constructive talks with Kosovo PM Ceku and other Kosovar officials on demarcation of the Kosovo-Macedonia border, pressed for strengthened commercial and investment ties with Kosovo, and offered to share with his counterparts Macedonia's experience with decentralization and consolidating stability in a multi-ethnic democracy. The visit was a constructive step in the GOM's plan to bolster ties with Pristina, but could hurt ties with Belgrade if Serbia sees Macedonia as leaning too far forward in its relations with Kosovo. End summary. PM GRUEVSKI'S FIRST VISIT TO PRISTINA ¶2. (U) On May 17, Prime Minister Gruevski made his first official visit to Pristina since taking office in September ¶2006. PM Gruevski was accompanied by Deputy PM for Framework Agreement Implementation Imer Aliu, Deputy PM for Education and Agriculture Zivko Jankulovski, and government spokesman Veton Ibrahimi. The Macedonian delegation met separately with PM Ceku, President Sejdiu, and UNMIK Chief Joachim Ruecker. The meetings focused on the GOM's continued support for the Ahtisaari plan, and on strengthening cooperation between Skopje and Pristina. SUPPORT FOR AHTISAARI PLAN AND UNSCR ¶3. (SBU) GOM delegation members reported that the meetings were "friendly and productive." PM Gruevski reiterated the GOM's support for the Ahtisaari plan, and his hope that a UN Security Council Resolution in support of the plan would be passed soon. In the absence of a UNSCR, Gruevski stated, Macedonia would follow the U.S. and EU lead on Kosovo's future status. Gruevski also told his interlocutors that a quick resolution of Kosovo's status would serve to increase stability, security, and economic growth in the region. PM Ceku thanked Gruevski for the GOM's continued support for the Ahtisaari plan, according to contacts in Gruevski's cabinet. CONSTRUCTIVE TALKS ON BORDER DEMARCATION ¶4. (SBU) Gruevski and his delegation reported that they had constructive talks with their counterparts on the issue of demarcation of the border between Macedonia and Kosovo, a past point of contention between the two governments. PM Ceku, who earlier had resisted accepting the border-related language contained in the Ahtisaari plan, reportedly told Gruevski that Pristina is prepared to move ahead with the demarcation as outlined in the Ahtisaari plan. BOOSTING INVESTMENT AND TRADE TIES ¶5. (U) Focusing on the GOM's goal of increasing investment and economic growth in Macedonia, Gruevski told PM Ceku that once Kosovo's status is determined, Pristina and Skopje should work together to increase foreign investment in both countries. Gruevski said foreign investors had been leery of committing to large-scale investment in Macedonia because of the uncertain future of Kosovo; once status was determined, he expected the interest of foreign investors in the region would increase and both nations could work together to foster investment interest and boost economic growth. SHARING DECENTRALIZATION AND MULTI-ETHNIC DEMOCRACY EXPERIENCES ¶6. (U) GOM officials offered to share with their Kosovar counterparts Macedonia's experiences with decentralization, and with building a functioning multi-ethnic democratic state. PM Ceku reportedly said he would welcome advice from Macedonia on decentralization and on the reforms required for NATO and EU membership. Ceku told Gruevski he looked forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Macedonia; Ceku currently is scheduled to pay an official visit to Skopje on June 2, according to PM Gruevski's Chief of Staff. COMMENT ¶7. (SBU) PM Gruevski's first official visit to Pristina, SKOPJE 00000404 002 OF 002 coming several months after former Deputy PM Selmani's visit to Pristina in late 2006, marks an additional positive step by the current government to strengthen ties with Kosovo. Gruevski clearly sees the benefit of fostering positive relations with Macedonia's northern neighbor and hopes his efforts will pay off in more robust commercial ties with Pristina. This ambitious approach could, however, cost him in terms of negative fallout from Serbia, if Belgrade sees Macedonia leaning too far forward leaning in its relations with Kosovo. WOHLERS