KOSOVO: GREECE NOT "AMONG THE FIRST" TO RECOGNIZE

C O N F I D E N T I A L ATHENS 000207

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/13/2018
TAGS: PREL YI KV GR
SUBJECT: KOSOVO: GREECE NOT "AMONG THE FIRST" TO RECOGNIZE
INDEPENDENCE

REF: A. STATE 15111


B. STATE 13716

Classified By: A/Political Counselor Jeff Hovenier for 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) On 2/13 Ambassador Speckhard and DCM raised ref B
points on encouraging recognition of Kosovo with PM
Karamanlis' diplomatic advisors Alexandros Sandis,
Constandinos Bitsios, and Marina Skordeli. Sandis and
Bitsios acknowledged that independence is imminent, but
reiterated that Greece will not/not be among the first to
recognize Kosovo. They noted Greece's close relations with
Serbia and reiterated that Greece stands ready to serve as a
"reliable" channel with Serbia. They also reported that
Romanian President Basescu had told PM Karamanlis during his
visit to Bucharest last week that Romania will "never, ever
recognize an independent Kosovo."


2. (C) A/Pol Counselor followed up with MFA Balkans
Directorate head Ambassador Eleftherios Angelopoulos.
Angelopoulos said that the "official position" is that Greece
has "taken no decision on recognizing an independent Kosovo."
Greece will not be among the first. However, Greece will
evaluate its position in response to "events on the ground."


3. (C) Angelopoulos said that the intra-EU discussions on
Kosovo in advance of next week's GAERC have been "difficult"
Greece will not block a "platform," and wants to be
constructive. However, it is essential that what is put on
the table balances the interests of those EU states ready to
recognize now, and those that are more reluctant -- such as
Romania, Slovakia, Cyprus, and Spain. Greece's primary
concern is regional stability; therefore, it also considers
it important for the EU to factor in how Belgrade will
respond.


4. (C) Meanwhile, UK Embassy contacts reported that UK
Ambassador Gass met 2/12 with Angelopoulos also to press
Greece on rapid recognition of Kosovo and to assess Greece's
"bottom line" on the EU "platform." According to the UK
Embassy, Angelopoulos gave Gass a similar line. Greece has
"not taken a decision on recognition" but will not be among
the first to recognize. On the platform, Angelopoulos said
that Greece will "go along if it is not too specific."
SPECKHARD