Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ALGIERS990
2008-09-14 14:39:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Algiers
Cable title:
ALGERIA NONCOMMITTAL ON KOSOVO ICJ RESOLUTION
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHAS #0990 2581439 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 141439Z SEP 08 FM AMEMBASSY ALGIERS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6356 INFO RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 2865 RUEHBW/AMEMBASSY BELGRADE 0013 RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 0177 RUEHPS/USOFFICE PRISTINA 0015 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0515
C O N F I D E N T I A L ALGIERS 000990
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/14/2018
TAGS: PREL UNGA KV UN AG
SUBJECT: ALGERIA NONCOMMITTAL ON KOSOVO ICJ RESOLUTION
REF: A. STATE 91908
B. ALGIERS 762
Classified By: DCM Thomas F. Daughton; reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L ALGIERS 000990
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/14/2018
TAGS: PREL UNGA KV UN AG
SUBJECT: ALGERIA NONCOMMITTAL ON KOSOVO ICJ RESOLUTION
REF: A. STATE 91908
B. ALGIERS 762
Classified By: DCM Thomas F. Daughton; reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) We delivered ref A demarche to MFA Deputy Director for
Central European Affairs Abdelmadjid Amalou on September 13
and outlined U.S. concerns about Serbia's proposal to seek an
opinion from the ICJ on the legality of Kosovo's declaration
of independence. Amalou reiterated the GoA's position on
non-recognition of Kosovo and preference for a resolution
that conforms to international law and the UN process (ref
B). As to the proposed Kosovo ICJ UNGA resolution, Amalou
said that Algeria had not yet formed a position. Amalou gave
no prediction as to what shape the Algerian position might
take; however, he commented that the Algerian approach to the
matter would likely develop "on the spot" when the UNGA
begins its consideration of the proposed resolution. He
added that the matter was not a "high priority" issue for
Algeria. We underscored our position that Kosovo
independence was a political issue and that an ICJ opinion
could hamper efforts to stabilize the region. Amalou
acknowledged our concerns and promised to convey our message
to his colleagues in multilateral affairs.
2. (C) COMMENT: Given the GoA's fondness for legalistic
approaches, there is a reasonable chance that the Algerians
will throw their support behind Serbia's proposal for an ICJ
opinion, especially if they sense strong support from other
non-aligned countries.
PEARCE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/14/2018
TAGS: PREL UNGA KV UN AG
SUBJECT: ALGERIA NONCOMMITTAL ON KOSOVO ICJ RESOLUTION
REF: A. STATE 91908
B. ALGIERS 762
Classified By: DCM Thomas F. Daughton; reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) We delivered ref A demarche to MFA Deputy Director for
Central European Affairs Abdelmadjid Amalou on September 13
and outlined U.S. concerns about Serbia's proposal to seek an
opinion from the ICJ on the legality of Kosovo's declaration
of independence. Amalou reiterated the GoA's position on
non-recognition of Kosovo and preference for a resolution
that conforms to international law and the UN process (ref
B). As to the proposed Kosovo ICJ UNGA resolution, Amalou
said that Algeria had not yet formed a position. Amalou gave
no prediction as to what shape the Algerian position might
take; however, he commented that the Algerian approach to the
matter would likely develop "on the spot" when the UNGA
begins its consideration of the proposed resolution. He
added that the matter was not a "high priority" issue for
Algeria. We underscored our position that Kosovo
independence was a political issue and that an ICJ opinion
could hamper efforts to stabilize the region. Amalou
acknowledged our concerns and promised to convey our message
to his colleagues in multilateral affairs.
2. (C) COMMENT: Given the GoA's fondness for legalistic
approaches, there is a reasonable chance that the Algerians
will throw their support behind Serbia's proposal for an ICJ
opinion, especially if they sense strong support from other
non-aligned countries.
PEARCE