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