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