KOSOVO: GREEKS NOT READY TO RECOGNIZE BUT

C O N F I D E N T I A L ATHENS 000952 SIPDIS DEPT ALSO FOR EUR/SCE AND EUR/SE E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/02/2018 TAGS: PREL UNMIK PGOV KPKO UN YI EU KV GR SUBJECT: KOSOVO: GREEKS NOT READY TO RECOGNIZE BUT PARTICPATING IN DONORS CONFERENCE REF: STATE 69691 Classified By: Ambassador Daniel V. Speckhard for 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Ambassador Speckhard spoke with FM Bakoyannis July 3 to urge that Greece recognize Kosovo independence, emphasizing the need to take steps that foster regional stability, and noting that it is time for Greece to join the other 20 EU states that have recognized Kosovo. Bakoyannis said Greece is consulting with "the others" in the EU who have not recognized Kosovo. She said they are following developments in Kosovo and Serbia closely, and she said that there is the possibility of "some adjustment of policy" after the new Serbian government is established. However, she suggested this "adjustment" might allow for a more normalized relationship with Kosovo, but made no commitment on the timing of recognition. The Ambassador reiterated the importance of focusing on events in the ground and taking actions that will contribute to real stability in the region and avoiding political posturing. Bakoyannis responded that the United States needs to show "more equal flexibility for both sides." She said the West needs to find a "modus operandi" for dealing with Serbia, and expressed hope that this could be achieved by the Fall UNGA. ¶2. (C) A/Political Counselor also met with MFA A-3 Balkan Directorate Deputy Director Dimitris Tsoungas to make the same reftel points on Kosovo. Tsoungas said that Greece has no plans for recognition of Kosovo "in the immediate future" but continues to evaluate the situation. We emphasized the importance of rapid recognition of Kosovo; Tsoungas responded that "many important countries" including Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, and China had not yet recognized. Tsoungas added that notwithstanding the lack of recognition of an independent Kosovo, Greece is providing personnel to EULEX, the ICO, the OSCE Mission, NATO, and has "ongoing dialogue" with Kosovar authorities through the Greek liaison office in Pristina. Greece is also considering how Kosovar authorities might open an office in Athens -- something they have expressed desire to do. The MFA anticipates that it will agree to an arrangement "similar to the Taiwan Representation Office" in Athens, in which the office has no "formal diplomatic status, and the employees enjoy no immunities and privileges" but all understand what the office is/does. ¶3. (C) On the donor's conference -- Tsoungas said that Greece "plans to attend," and "will make a pledge," but the level and nature of the pledge remains under review. Tsoungas listened to our points on the IMF and World Bank but had no substantive comment. ¶4. (C) UK Ambassador to Athens Gass told us that he has also been pressing Greek officials on recognition of Kosovo and has received similar responses. SPECKHARD