AMBASSADOR WISNER ASKS ARAB LEAGUE, EGYPT TO

UNCLAS CAIRO 000246 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SCE (BLACK, SHIRATORI) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV UNMIK EG YI SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR WISNER ASKS ARAB LEAGUE, EGYPT TO RECOGNIZE KOSOVO REF: A. SECSTATE 13716 ¶B. CAIRO 77 Sensitive but unclassified, not for Internet distribution. ¶1. (SBU) Special Envoy for the Kosovo Final Status Talks Ambassador Frank Wisner asked Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa on February 6 for the League and its member states to support an independent Kosovo when Kosovo declares its independence in the coming weeks. Ambassador Wisner emphasized that international mediation on Kosovo's final status have proven fruitless, and that there is no alternate to independence, noting that matters could move with little or no warning in the coming weeks. Moussa asked about the reactions of Russia and of Serbia. Ambassador Wisner replied that we expect a strong, but nonetheless non-violent, political reaction. Russia would oppose independence and try to block international recognition of Kosovo, but is not likely to agitate to divide Kosovo into smaller pieces, he continued, and the Serbian leadership has assured us that "violence is not an option." However, individual acts of violence are possible. Moussa promised to convey Ambassador Wisner's message of urgency to Arab governments. ¶2. (SBU) Ambassador Wisner asked Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit for Egypt's support for Kosovo independence over lunch on February 27. Aboul Gheit expressed skepticism in a long and detailed exchange, pressing Ambassador Wisner on timing: "why should we risk consequences now?" Ambassador Wisner outlined the history of the final status talks and argued that current conditions offered the best chance to avoid violence. Ambassador Wisner also warned that matters could move rapidly to a conclusion, and cited the recent statement by the Government of Turkey to support Kosovo's independence. Aboul Gheit reserved judgment and said he would have to consult President Mubarak. RICCIARDONE