EGYPT STILL WARY ON KOSOVO RECOGNITION

UNCLAS CAIRO 001410 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPKO PREL PGOV EG KV YI SUBJECT: EGYPT STILL WARY ON KOSOVO RECOGNITION REF: A. SECSTATE 69691 ¶B. CAIRO 1212 ¶C. CAIRO 579 ¶D. BERMAN/HYLAND E-MAILS Sensitive but unclassified, not for Internet distribution. ¶1. (SBU) On July 1, the Ambassador pressed Deputy Foreign Minister Wafaa Bassim for Egypt to recognize Kosovo. Bassim repeated previous Egyptian objections to Kosovo recognition (ref C),noting that Kosovo's declaration of independence came "outside of international law" and worrying that it might be a precedent for other separatist movements. However, she said Egypt had not closed the door on recognition but was in no hurry to make a decision. The Ambassador countered per ref A demarche, pointing out that 43 countries have already recognized Kosovo, violence has been low, the transition from UNMIK to EULEX is progressing, and that Kosovo's independence has not spawned other separatist movements, and asked if the GOE might be willing to receive a high-level delegation from Kosovo. Bassim repeated the previous MFA position that they would have to internally consult on any such request (ref C). ¶2. (SBU) Comment: Given the GOE's reluctance, we suggest Kosovo representatives consider a sub-ministerial approach whenever the opportunity presents itself, including outside of Egypt. We will continue to highlight possibilities to the GOE when they arise. SCOBEY