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
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