Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ABUJA312
2008-02-19 16:52:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Abuja
Cable title:
DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON KOSOVO RECOGNITION
how-toVZCZCXRO1555 PP RUEHPA DE RUEHUJA #0312 0501652 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 191652Z FEB 08 FM AMEMBASSY ABUJA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2103 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RUEHOS/AMCONSUL LAGOS 8746 RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHDC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 000312
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DOE FOR CAROLYN GAY
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2018
TAGS: PNAT PREL PGOV NI
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON KOSOVO RECOGNITION
REF: A. SECSTATE 16319
B. SECSTATE 13716
C. SECSTATE 15111
D. ABUJA 296
Classified By: Political Counselor Walter Pflaumer for reasons 1.4. (b
& d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 000312
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DOE FOR CAROLYN GAY
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2018
TAGS: PNAT PREL PGOV NI
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON KOSOVO RECOGNITION
REF: A. SECSTATE 16319
B. SECSTATE 13716
C. SECSTATE 15111
D. ABUJA 296
Classified By: Political Counselor Walter Pflaumer for reasons 1.4. (b
& d).
1. (C) During a wide ranging February 15 discussion on
bilateral issues with President Yar'Adua, the Ambassador
discussed U.S. support for Kosovo's impending independence,
President Bush's plans to recognize Kosovo upon a declaration
of independence by its legislature, and stressed USG desire
for Nigeria to follow suit. Ambassador stressed Kosovar
independence as a victory for democracy and symbol of its
progression around the world. Yar'Adua said that after
Kosovo's declaration, GON will take time to reflect on the
issue and evaluate what is in Nigeria's best interests,
taking into account what its neighbors would do. Though he
seemed generally positively disposed to recognition, Yar'Adua
remained noncommittal.
2. (C) Previously, in telcons February 14 with Nigerian
National Security Adviser General Abdullahi Mukhtar and the
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr.
B.K. Kaigama (ref ??) who was acting Foreign Minister (FM) in
the absence of the FM and Minister of State for Foreign
Affairs, Ambassador was told that Nigeria will likely follow
a common African Union position once it is established.
Separately, on February 13 Poloff delivered demarche per
STATE 13716 to Minister Counselor Maureen Labiran (ref D) in
the European Affairs Division of the Nigerian Ministry of
Foreign Affairs who also declared GON intention to support a
common AU policy.
3. (C) COMMENT: We do not see President Yar'Adua's caution
and the GON's position of deferring to an AU common position
as opposition to the recognition of Kosovo, but rather an
indication of his/its current preoccupation with domestic
issues. GON focus in the near term is on impending electoral
tribunal decisions (particularly that involving the
President),major legislation on power sector reform, and
substantial political maneuvering within the ruling PDP party
in advance of its local caucuses and national convention.
Yar'Adua's orientation at the moment is inward looking, and
foreign policy issues seem to be less of a priority for him
than the previous Administration. Nevertheless, as an
influential member of the African Union, post will continue
to lobby for GON recognition of Kosovo. END COMMENT.
SANDERS
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DOE FOR CAROLYN GAY
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2018
TAGS: PNAT PREL PGOV NI
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON KOSOVO RECOGNITION
REF: A. SECSTATE 16319
B. SECSTATE 13716
C. SECSTATE 15111
D. ABUJA 296
Classified By: Political Counselor Walter Pflaumer for reasons 1.4. (b
& d).
1. (C) During a wide ranging February 15 discussion on
bilateral issues with President Yar'Adua, the Ambassador
discussed U.S. support for Kosovo's impending independence,
President Bush's plans to recognize Kosovo upon a declaration
of independence by its legislature, and stressed USG desire
for Nigeria to follow suit. Ambassador stressed Kosovar
independence as a victory for democracy and symbol of its
progression around the world. Yar'Adua said that after
Kosovo's declaration, GON will take time to reflect on the
issue and evaluate what is in Nigeria's best interests,
taking into account what its neighbors would do. Though he
seemed generally positively disposed to recognition, Yar'Adua
remained noncommittal.
2. (C) Previously, in telcons February 14 with Nigerian
National Security Adviser General Abdullahi Mukhtar and the
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr.
B.K. Kaigama (ref ??) who was acting Foreign Minister (FM) in
the absence of the FM and Minister of State for Foreign
Affairs, Ambassador was told that Nigeria will likely follow
a common African Union position once it is established.
Separately, on February 13 Poloff delivered demarche per
STATE 13716 to Minister Counselor Maureen Labiran (ref D) in
the European Affairs Division of the Nigerian Ministry of
Foreign Affairs who also declared GON intention to support a
common AU policy.
3. (C) COMMENT: We do not see President Yar'Adua's caution
and the GON's position of deferring to an AU common position
as opposition to the recognition of Kosovo, but rather an
indication of his/its current preoccupation with domestic
issues. GON focus in the near term is on impending electoral
tribunal decisions (particularly that involving the
President),major legislation on power sector reform, and
substantial political maneuvering within the ruling PDP party
in advance of its local caucuses and national convention.
Yar'Adua's orientation at the moment is inward looking, and
foreign policy issues seem to be less of a priority for him
than the previous Administration. Nevertheless, as an
influential member of the African Union, post will continue
to lobby for GON recognition of Kosovo. END COMMENT.
SANDERS