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