C O N F I D E N T I A L BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 000198

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SCE & EAP/MTS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/01/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV UNMIK KV BX
SUBJECT: BRUNEI STILL CONSIDERING KOSOVO RECOGNITION

REF: SECSTATE 69691

Classified By: CDA Justin Friedman, reasons 1.5 (b) & (d)


1. (C) Charge delivered reftel demarche to Datin Hjh Maimunah
Elias, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Trade, on June 30, emphasizing that the change in status
of the UN mission and Kosovo's track record in unilateral
implementation of the Ahtisaari Plan showed that Kosovo was
deserving of formal recognition. Maimunah responded that the
GoB is still considering the issue of Kosovo recognition.
She admitted that decisions on this and other matters
(septel) have been left pending as both the Foreign Minister,
Prince Mohamed, and Foreign Minister II Pehin Lim Jock Seng,
have been out of the country for over a month. Maimunah said
that she would re-raise the issue to try to move Brunei to a
decision as soon as possible. Post will report on any
subsequent developments in Brunei's position on Kosovo
recognition.
FRIEDMAN