ALGERIA NONCOMMITTAL ON KOSOVO ICJ RESOLUTION

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