TURKEY REMAINS STAUNCH KOSOVO SUPPORTER, BRUSSELS

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 001240 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/06/2018 TAGS: KPKO PREL PGOV TU KV SUBJECT: TURKEY REMAINS STAUNCH KOSOVO SUPPORTER, BRUSSELS PLEDGE UNCLEAR REF: A. STATE 69691 ¶B. ANKARA 457 ¶C. ANKARA 307 ¶D. ANKARA 275 Classified By: Political Counselor Daniel O'Grady, for reasons 1.4(b,d) ¶1. (C) On July 3 we met with MFA Department Head Ilhan Saygili and made REF A points. Saygili reiterated that Turkey was among the first countries to recognize Kosovo, remains a staunch Kosovo supporter through International Steering Group (ISG) membership, and continues to press for additional recognitions. Saygili said the GOT had fought hard for independence acknowledgment in the Dakar OIC Summit communiqu. Despite heavy opposition, he said, GOT efforts ensured the final language reflected some mention of Kosovo. Many Middle Eastern countries have told the GOT they would extend recognition after Saudi Arabia does so, Saygili noted. However, on the multiple occasions Turkey has raised the issue, SAG has yet to clarify their position or timeline. Others remain concerned about Kosovo setting precedents for their internal conflicts. ¶2. (C) Saygili reported the GOT is taking all requisite steps to establish normal diplomatic relations with Kosovo. Presently represented by a consul, Turkey plans to open an embassy in Pristina and name an ambassador soon. The two governments are negotiating Turkey's standard bilateral agreements package which pledges increased cultural, economic, and educational cooperation. The GOT has also offered specific assistance in establishing Kosovo's MFA. While strengthening its ties with Kosovo, Saygili told us the GOT is careful not to further inflame relations with Serbia. Although the two nations have not officially interacted since April, FM Babacan and Serbian President Tadic spoke briefly on the South East Europe Cooperative Process (SEECP) Sofia Summit margins in May. Saygili said the GOS has refused since February to allow Turkey's new ambassador, Suha Umar, to present his credentials. Belgrade has also yet to return its ambassador to Ankara. ¶3. (C) Turkey plans to attend the Kosovo donors conference, but the GOT has yet to agree upon a donation amount or name a delegation head (REF A). Saygili commented the interagency took longer than expected to reach consensus; the proposal is now awaiting Prime Ministry approval. Should the decision not come in time to make an announcement in Brussels, the GOT will fold it into its multi-year bilateral assistance package currently under development. Saygili said the GOT would also give due consideration to supporting Kosovo's IMF and World Bank membership. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Turk ey WILSON