DEMARCHE TO BELGIANS ON KOSOVO

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRUSSELS 000238 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/12/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL YI BE SUBJECT: DEMARCHE TO BELGIANS ON KOSOVO REF: A. STATE 12026 ¶B. STATE 13716 Classified By: POLCOUNS TED ANDREWS. REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). ¶1. (C) Embassy spoke February 11 with Thomas Antoine, the Belgian MFA's Director for the Balkans, regarding immediate recognition of Kosovo after it declares independence and participation in an International Steering Group (ISG) that will be established to support Kosovo's democratic development (reftels). Antoine said Belgian FM De Gucht was meeting with other members of the federal cabinet that day on issues related to Kosovo, including participation in the ISG, but he did not expect a decision to be forthcoming immediately. ¶2. (C) Antoine was doubtful that Belgium would be among the first wave of countries to recognize Kosovo, reiterating a common theme among Belgian officials that Belgium was not likely to be among the first nor the last group of countries to recognize Kosovo's independence. Antoine said there was a possibility this could change, however, if Kosovo declared its independence on February 17 and some EU countries decided to join in a statement of recognition at the February 18 GAERC meeting of EU Foreign Ministers. He thought Belgium could possibly join such a statement, but nothing had been decided. ¶3. (C) Embassy stressed the criteria for membership in the ISG, noting the ISG will hold its first meeting within 7-10 days of Kosovo's declaration of independence and those countries that have recognized Kosovo or announced their intention to do so soon will be invited to attend. Antoine expressed concern about Belgium recognizing an independent Kosovo without first being reassured that Kosovo was fully committed to Ahtisaari's plan, particularly with regard to human rights and protection of minorities. He also expressed concern about coming out in support immediately following the declaration when the declaration "may not administratively take effect until later." ¶4. (C) Antoine said Belgium was committed to the ESDP Mission, with about 43 civilian judges and police already identified to support the mission. ¶5. (U) Post will report additional information septel. We also will continue to press our views with others in the MFA, and in the Prime Minister's office. FOX .